HR Strange But True

’Tis the Season to Give Gifts … But Not That Gift!

The holidays are quickly approaching. Are you prepared? If so, did you remember to include your supervisor and other coworkers when purchasing gifts? In a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps, the majority of Human Resources (HR) managers said it is acceptable for employees and managers to exchange presents in the office.

Holiday gifts

So how much money should you be spending? According to the survey, HR managers cited employees should spend an average of $20 on their boss and $24 as a suitable amount for supervisors to spend on staff.

The survey also revealed what not to do. Managers reported the most inappropriate gifts they’ve seen, including:

  • A department head who gave employees a picture in a frame of himself.
  • An employee gave a regifted gift that the manager had given the year before.
  • A big order of frozen pork.
  • A lavish gift—something that was very valuable because of favoritism.
  • A mug with a satirical phrase on it, used to make fun of someone.
  • A wig.
  • A $700 gift card.
  • Liquor.
  • A dozen roses.
  • Cash was given discriminately in different amounts to different employees.

Were you the recipient of a horrible office gift? Share it in our comments section below, or e-mail us and it could be featured in the next HRSBT!

If you’d like credit for your story, include your Facebook or Twitter handle and we’ll mention you in the article and on social media.

Note: We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, anonymity, and so forth.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *