GIVING THE BOSS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT

December, 2013 – Should you give your boss a Christmas present? Many workers may want or feel the need to give their boss a small token of appreciation, but it can be a minefield. Colleen Rickenbacher, a business etiquette consultant, says the correct protocol is that bosses should give their employees gifts but employees should not feel obligated to give a gift back. But if you do, here are some tips:
– Don’t give anything too personal: Experts say a good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that touches the skin. That means no jewelry, no perfume, no clothing.
– Don’t spend too much, or too little, money: A $2.99 ornament from the drugstore will likely come off as too cheap, but a $100 pen may seem awkwardly extravagant. Experts say the $10 to $25 range is generally more appropriate for a mid-level manager.
– Do consider food or gift cards: A consumable gift like cookies, candy or homemade bread is a nice way to show that you appreciate your boss without breaking the bank. A coffee shop gift card or similar item also is practical and appropriate.
– Do consider a group gift: If everyone goes in on one gift, it can spread out the cost and also ensure that everyone in the department is on equal footing with the boss.
– Don’t generally give alcohol: Lauby once had a boss who was known to love champagne, so her team got together every holiday season and bought a case for the boss and his wife. That’s fine if you know the person well, but in general etiquette experts say that these days some employers might frown on giving alcohol at work, and some bosses may see it as too personal a gift.
– Don’t send a gift to a home address; it’s too personal.
* A business etiquette consultant? Talk about a contradiction in terms.
* When thinking of a gift, watch out if the boss hangs mistletoe on his belt buckle.
* A small token of appreciation? You mean besides showing up for work?
* One present that definitely backfired at my office: When we bought the boss a bong.
* Ditto for the night with the escort service.
* PHONE TOPIC: Do you give your boss a gift?