Employee Gift Giving

"Tis the season for merriment, joy, and... recognition?

Yes! Now more than ever, employees need an extra boost to help keep them happy and motivated. Your employees have been worried about economic security for more than a year now, and it's time to bring some joy and merriment back into the workplace.

So this season, take a different approach to employee gift giving. Instead of buying a one-size fits all purchase that covers the masses, invest a little time and energy into something special. I know, I know... you don't have a lot of time for shopping and wrapping. But do you have a few minutes to think about what is meaningful for each employee? I hope so. Time spent here will reap huge benefits in the long run. Here are some easy, low cost ideas for bringing the joy back to your office:

1. Decorate. Bows, wreaths, candles, and tinsel. Stay away from religious decor, but throw up some lights and garland for a fun and festive work environment.

2. Organize a "secret giver" game - with a twist. Instead of gifts, play the game with random acts of kindness. Clean a desk, organize a book shelf, scrape the ice off a windshield, deliver a cup of coffee. Make it fun without the cost.

3. Have a party. Sometime before the first of the year, get your people together and celebrate. To cut costs, have it in the afternoon with appetizers and cookies. Give everyone the rest of the afternoon off to relax.

4. When gift giving, remember to make it small and meaningful. A handwritten note of appreciation for specific contributions throughout the year will be cherished by most employees. If you want to purchase gifts, make sure you find out what the employee really wants. If you don't know, ask around. Do they love the movies and would appreciate a gift certificate to the cinema? Are they a wine connoisseur and would appreciate a wine of the month membership or basket of wine? Would they enjoy a day at Nickelodeon Universe with their children? A magazine subscription to their favorite publication? Most gifts can be purchased online and require very little running around. You can give a personalized gift without the extra effort!

If none of these options are right for you and your company this year, find something else. Make it personal, meaningful, and lasting. It is an investment into the health of your strongest asset - your people.