Christmas is fast approaching, which more than likely means Christmas lights glistening, quality time with family and friends and Christmas music playing throughout the house. And who could forget the eggnog, hot chocolate and your favorite Christmas treats filling you from head to toe. Oh, and did we mention gifts?
It’s only fitting that you bring some of that joy to the office. What better way to do that than with corporate gifts for employees? While it is easy to go overboard during such a joyous time of year-or maybe even easier to be more like the Grinch and avoid the hassle all together-it is wise to take a step back and evaluate what a boss can and cannot give to employees. We’ll share some of our tips to consider for proper corporate Christmas gift-giving etiquette:
Keep the goal in mind. Why do you want to give gifts to your employees in the first place? Is it to show appreciation, create goodwill and positive sentiment toward the company or reward a record-setting year? It is easy to get overwhelmed by the many choices you have, and to feel tempted to order based on a seasonal promotion under the stress of finding the best gifts for employees in a short amount of time. Remember, the true purpose of gift giving is to show appreciation and gratitude.
Avoid gifts that may be inappropriate. It is important to follow your industry’s norms and customs, so checking in the handbook or with the Human Resources department is a good place to start. Some examples of inappropriate gifts would be anything too personal such as intimate apparel, jewelry or perhaps expensive perfume. Put yourself in the shoes of the employee: if they might be embarrassed by the gift, it is more than likely unsuitable to give.
Set a good precedent for future gifts. If you spent an outrageous amount on business Christmas holiday gifts for employees in 2019 and then in 2020 forget about gifts entirely, some of your staff will more than likely notice. To avoid setting unrealistic expectations or leaving your team feeling disappointed, set a standard that you will be able to meet consistently in the future. Determine your budget, adjust for inflation and stick to it.
Avoid favoritism among employees. You may know some of your employees better than others and a perfect gift might be staring you in the face for those employees. Word to the wise: avoid the temptation to purchase a special gift for one employee because it will be difficult to replicate the thoughtfulness for other employees. Keeping gifts more unified prevents employees from being offended.
Consider the cost of the Christmas gift. Purchasing inexpensive gifts for employees when you have the ability to give more might make you look cheap, or worse yet, like you don’t care. Giving gifts that are way too expensive may be not only be against company policy, but it could appear wasteful or lavish. Be appropriate with your spending budget. Many businesses stick to around $20 to $50 for each employee.
Recognize taxable and nontaxable gifts. Generally, if you are spending over $75 per employee on holiday gifts, it will be taxable. The non-taxable gifts are smaller in value and include items such as: a ceramic coffee mug, company branded apparel, plaques or even a holiday turkey. Be sure to consult your accountant for specific tax details.
Don’t leave anyone out. Offering gifts to some employees and forgetting about others can set you up for resentment that lasts well beyond the holidays. Make a list of everyone who should be included so that no one feels left out, and don’t forget to check it twice!
Give your gift more meaning. Extra effort can go a long way. Taking time to wrap or package the gift shows you care. And you’ll earn bonus points by crafting a thoughtful note thanking them for all they’ve done in 2019. Another courteous tip is to hand deliver your gifts so that you can offer thanks in person as well.
By following these tips, you’ll be set up for the 2019 holiday season to be the best boss to give Christmas gifts to your employees that will showcase your appreciation and gratitude, without the embarrassment of giving the wrong gift entirely. Keep in mind, that giving a gift as a supervisor is not an obligation, but an opportunity. A simple, thoughtful gift can go a long way for your team’s morale.
Looking for Christmas gift ideas for employees this year? MARCO Promos has the top 12 gifts for employees in 2019 that your team will love. Discover many appropriate gifts including: a customize-able Swig vacuum-insulated bottle, a chenille blanket, wooden wireless charging pad and more! Placing an order for your staff Christmas gifts is easy with our friendly customer service representatives. Shop online or call today!
What has been your favorite gift that you’ve given employees? Have you been following our recommended guidelines or was it a great learning tool? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
