You might want to think twice about how you're spreading holiday 'cheer'
It’s been another stellar year for your team! Your employees will be counting on you to reward them for their hard work and dedication.
But if you’re one of the few bosses out there who’re notorious for handing out coupons for cheap snacks or those wildly inappropriate gift certificates for lingerie (yes, you read that right!), you may want to think twice about how you’re spreading holiday ‘cheer’ in the office.
According to one Consumer Reports study, 30% of people believe their managers and co-workers are the worst gift-givers. You’ve been warned. With the holidays fast approaching, we’ve hunted though reports and compiled 10 of the worst corporate gifts:
- Coupon for a McDonald’s apple pie
- A pack of wine coolers and a gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret
- A re-gifted second-hand toaster
- A copy of ‘Magic Mike’
- A gift certificate at a theme park snack vendor for a medium soda OR a banana
- A pack of sanitary napkins
- Day-old muffins
- A $100 ‘bonus’ that was later deducted from the next paycheque
- Bible
- A self-help book on how to do their job right
Of course, everybody’s favourite go-to item for the holidays is the gift card. A simple token that’s easy enough to purchase even at the last minute. But if you’re really out to show appreciation for your team, it’s always best to get them something creative and useful.
READ MORE: Five rules for workplace gift-giving
“Maybe the first time you get a gift card at work it’s kind of cool. But the fifth time? Boring,” said Dr. Bob Nelson, an employee engagement specialist who writes for corporate gift company Snappy.
Dr. Nelson’s advice is to allow staff to choose their own gift from a gallery of unique and exciting items all within the value you’ve set. This way, the gift doesn’t have to be as impersonal as simply handing them a card.
