To gift or not to gift at work? That is the question many employees ask during the holiday season. 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. Sixty-three percent of respondents noted it’s appropriate for supervisors to give their staff a holiday gift, and 58% said it’s appropriate for workers to give their boss a gift.
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.
“As much as people enjoy giving presents, this can be a sensitive issue in the workplace and becomes a personal decision based on individual relationships,” said Bill Driscoll, district president for Accountemps, in a press release. “More important than the dollar amount, the focus should be on giving something meaningful to the recipient. The best gifts are thoughtful and demonstrate care for others.”
Accountemps offers five rules for exchanging holiday gifts in the office:
- Give unconditionally. Don’t gift out of obligation or because there’s an expectation of something in return. Similarly, managers should make sure employees know trading presents, even if there is a group exchange, is optional and not a requirement.
- Make it personal. Show you are thinking of the recipient by finding something he or she will specifically enjoy, such as a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or a book related to a hobby they pursue.
- Don’t be overly extravagant—or a Scrooge. Spending too much can make the receiver uncomfortable, while spending too little can make the gift seem like an afterthought.
- Present it nicely. No matter the present, cheerful packaging shows thoughtfulness. Include a personalized holiday card with it.
- Be thankful. Always express your appreciation. Go the extra step and send a handwritten thank-you note that expresses your appreciation for their help throughout the year.
The infographic below highlights key findings from this survey.
I have a concern about employees giving gifts to managers. I don’t believe this is appropriate in any case no matter the realationship between employee and manager. How can a manager appear objective the first time a plumb project is to be handed out after the gift giving season? Some may think, ‘oh my gift wasn’t good enough for my manager to think of me first’ and others may think ‘she only got that assignment because of the ‘perfect’ gift she gave at holiday time’. It’s just wrong. I would discourage it.