Gifts for staffers: Yes? No?

Small business owners who want to show their appreciation to staffers during the holidays often give gifts. That can be a good idea, but also one that can backfire. Some things an owner should consider:

Do you plan to give everyone the same gift?

At a very small company, a boss might want to select individual items. You need to be sure that what you choose for staffers are things they’d want. A bottle of wine for someone who doesn’t drink alcohol will be a disappointment. Also, if one staffer’s gift looks more expensive or well thought-out than another’s, you could be breeding some resentment.

If you’re giving cash, is it a gift or a bonus?

Gifts are tokens of appreciation, while bonuses are usually to reward staffers for their performance during the year. Make the intention behind the gift very clear.

What about mugs or baseball caps with the company logo?

Don’t go there. You will look cheap and insensitive. You might give them out if you’re having a party or taking staffers out to a restaurant for lunch. In that case, it’s a little extra on top of something nice you’re doing for them.

What do staffers really want?

Surveys have shown workers would love it if the boss gave them an extra day off. If you can spare them, give the gift of time.