No matter who you are, everyone likes a thank you especially if there is a gift attached. Many employees give out cash rewards and bonuses at this time of year. Employees really like this as it helps with the never-ending cost of Christmas expenses.
I was always a big fan of the Christmas Ham we received at a previous work place. Each year we would line up with our vouchers and pick up our leg of ham from the on-site canteen. Extreme temperatures and a few bouts of 'not so good hams' ruined it for everyone so reluctantly we went to the Coles/Myers vouchers.It wasn't the same though. I never bought ham with the voucher. Actually I think my husband bought a case of beer with it so I guess it was good for him.
Anyway, there are many things you can do to say thanks - some of which won't cost you the earth and won't kill your employees with food poisoning.
The vouchers are a nice idea. But it can get costly if you have a big team and then you have to consider whether you give the same amount to everyone and if not - How will you explain why he got $100 and she only got $50? There's always a catch isn't there?
You may opt for the end of year celebration or Christmas party. I love Christmas parties but they are always fraught with scandal. I don't think I've been to Christmas party where there wasn't a drama to sort out in the new year. Whether its a fight that has broken out or a hook up that shouldn't have happened - HR hates open bars.....
As employers though, you must remember your responsibility to provide a safe environment for you employees even at these after hours functions. This means keeping tabs on the alcohol consumption particularly for young workers and providing transport if necessary. It doesn't hurt to remind your employees that they are representing the Company and as such should maintain a decent standard of behavior.
Some employers give their people half a day off on Christmas eve. Also a nice idea if you're business can manage it. Unless you're in retail, most workplaces are fairly unproductive anyway so you may as well send everyone home and look like the good guy.
A manager I once worked with, every year, gave his team a bundle of rocky road that his wife had made. It was really special and everyone looked forward to it. His wife had meticulously wrapped big chunks of rocky road in cellophane and Christmas ribbon and he handed to every one personally and said have a good Christmas. I usually had eaten mine by morning tea. I was a big fan of the rocky road.
The individual Christmas gifts are a nightmare. Don't go there. Last time I did this I didn't know what to buy 2 of the male employees in my team. I went to David Jones in the gift section and kept getting drawn to the nose and ear trimmers. I don't know why because neither of them were particularly hairy. Its just that they were in the price range and the guys weren't really the golf-accessory type. Don't worry, I think I ended up buying them diaries.
So you don't have to spend a lot of money but make sure you thank your team for their hard work. A little appreciation goes a long way. Tell them what's in store for 2010. Make the effort to find out how everyone will be spending Christmas day. Try to remember their kids names.
Good luck with it and feel free to call us if you're stuck for inspiration.
Merry Christmas from the gals at Hunter People Solutions.
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