Dear Joan:

I just started a new job and manage 10 people directly. I am very uncomfortable with the whole gift giving thing at Christmas, especially, but also birthdays. I'd like to set a precedent with this holiday so am looking for advice. I don't like to GET gifts, nor do I like to give them. I feel awkward, however, saying to folks, "Please no gifts. Any suggestions?



Answer:

At the risk of looking like the Grinch who stole Christmas, I suggest you tread lightly. Some people may be offended if you mandate the no-gift rule; offering an alternative that fits into the spirit of the occasion may make everyone happy.

There are many reasons not to give gifts at holidays and birthdays, and all of them are based on sound logic, so you don't even have to mention your personal preferences.


* Gifts for co-workers add to the financial burden around the holidays.
* Even shopping for inexpensive items, say, for a Secret Santa gift each week, can add stress to a hectic time of year.
* A large group of ten co-workers is too much to buy for and if small subgroups exchange gifts, and someone is left out, feelings may be hurt.
* Buying for the "boss can be politically tricky, since people often worry about the gift being inappropriate, too expensive, too personal, etc.
* Diverse beliefs in the workplace: not everyone celebrates Christmas or believes in celebrating their birth day with gifts.


So, here are some alternatives you can discuss with your staff: These ideas are from a variety of readers who responded to my inquiry about how they celebrate the holidays:


* "We try to be socially conscious, but more so during the holidays. This year, everyone has brought in non-perishable food items to give away to the less fortunate. And we will, as a company, be going to the Rescue Mission to serve dinner to the homeless. This is a tradition everyone looks forward to."


* "My facility houses approximately 500 isolated cubicles. To jazz the place up last year, each department manager was asked to have their group decorate at least one cubicle with holiday trimmings. Our CIO was the designated judge and walked throughout the building to judge the cubes. First, second and third prizes were issued (gift certificates to local restaurants) and the atmosphere was quite festive. The creativity was amazing, and I look forward to it again this year!"


* "We go out to lunch together and our boss picks up the tab.


* "We have a potluck lunch and everyone brings in a dish. It's a great social occasion, and we all discuss holiday plans and family.


* "For birthdays, we order pizza or some other lunch, once a month to celebrate the birthdays in that month. We all chip in (except for the people celebrating, of course.)


Once you get the ideas started, I suspect your staff will come up with plenty of ideas to choose from, and no one will miss hunting for that perfect gift.


Joan Lloyd is an executive coach, management consultant, facilitator and professional trainer/speaker.  Email your question to Joan at info@joanlloyd.com.  Joan Lloyd & Associates, (800) 348-1944, Visit www.JoanLloyd.com

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