What’s the gift strategy this Christmas?

Companies are planning to open their wallets more this year, but it’s the gifts from co-workers you might have to look out for.

The scrooge economy appears to be loosening its grip. According to a recent survey, this year many more companies plan to offer holiday perks (bonuses, parties, gifts) than last year.

According to a US-based survey by Career Builder*, some 46% of employers expect to give their employees holiday bonuses this year, up from 40% last year and 33% in 2010. Nearly one in five (19%) plan to provide a larger bonus than last year.  

In terms of the proverbial party offering, six in 10 (60%) employers are throwing a holiday party for their employees this year, up from 58% last year and 53% in 2010. However, just 40% of workers will attend.

The issue of gifts is consistently a sticky one, and this year 36% of employers plan to give holiday gifts, up from 30% in 2011 and 2010 respectively.

Almost a quarter (23%) of workers plan to buy holidays gifts for co-workers this year and 22% will even buy one for the boss. The majority (81%) of workers who plan to buy gifts expect to spend $25 or less for each holiday gift they buy for the office and almost half will spend even less.

When asked to share the most memorable gifts received from co-workers, workers reported:

  • CD of the co-worker’s recorded songs
  • Dolphin oven mitt
  • 4 rolls of toilet paper
  • A harpoon
  • Can of wasp spray
  • Jar of sand
  • Homemade pickles
  • Conch shell
  • Lava lamp filled with fake fish
  • Expired body lotion
  • Book about kittens

*2,494 HR professionals and 3,976 workers were surveyed.

Recent articles & video

Ai Group seeks 2.8% minimum wage hike in 2024

Australia's job vacancies fall 6.2% in February

Love and business: Can a break-up lead to unjust dismissal?

Worker claims unfair demotion after temporary supervisor role ended

Most Read Articles

Employer shoots down worker's request for 'mutual separation'

Payroll officer charged for stealing over $1 million from employer: reports

Fair Work: 'Workplace trauma' didn't lead to forced resignation