Christmas at work.

[jpmandan]

I have 33 employees, 2 secretarys, & 3 formen, should I get everyone something? Last year I gave everyone a Christmas card and a little candy. I told them last year I didn't want them to get me anything, but they all pitched in and did. What to do??? I am in Public work a County Superintendent not a CEO. Thanks, JEEP MAN DAN

 

[winkers]

Do you give them christmas bonuses? If so, I'd say that's plenty.

 

[Judy Judy Judy]

Since your a small company why not just have snacks in the break room, everyone bring something and enjoy.

 

[jpmandan]

No bonuses. We are Public work "County".

 

[winkers]

Since your a small company why not just have snacks in the break room, everyone bring something and enjoy.

that's a good idea! sponsor a little party.

 

[Scornelius]

What about a single gift for the whole office? When I worked at a university, our department head would always get us a group gift, like a fancy coffee maker or CD player for the break room.

 

[hiwaygal]

I would think have an "office breakfast" or lunch or something and bring something in that you all can share together. Let them have an hour of socializing and fun (play some games, music, etc) and just let them know you appreciate all they do.

(I work in Public Works as well and I would appreciate my boss if he did that)

 

[jpmandan]

We cook a few times a month. We just did a Grits a sausage breakfast yesterday and on a rainy day like today we cooked beans. Keep em coming.

 

[Bluestars]

I like the idea of having a little party. You could get food from a local restaurant and put it out in the break room for lunch. You could purchase a cake or several desserts and put out a few Christmas decorations. Doing something for the group would be the most economical choice. It would also be a fun and festive gift.

 

[pepperw23]

I would probably do a "secret Santa" type thing and draw names for those that wish to participate. We do that and our boss participates. That way no one has a big cost out of pocket. The day of the gift exchange we have each person bring a fun snack to share like chips, cupcakes etc...

 

[anniemae]

cater a nice lunch.

I worked for a small company and we did this. It was a lot of fun and the food was delicious. They went all out and had it catered by a local Italian restaurant. Then we did a Yankee Swap. It was a great time. The party took about 2 hours, and we were all paid for that time. Later, they brought out desserts and coffee. It was a special "thank you" from the bosses, and it was greatly appreciated by everyone.

 

[breezy1077]

You could do a Santa Bag. Buy gifts of varying prices, with 1 or 2 nice gifts like $25 gift certificates, and the rest lottery tickets or Wendy's/McDonalds/Starbucks/Krispy Kreme gift certs...nothing over $5 or so. "Hide" them in envelopes so they can't "feel" which ones they're picking. Then have each employee do a blind grab into the bag.

It's fun to watch everyone get excited to see if they're the one to pick a big prize. DH and I worked for an employer who did this once and it was a blast. There were only 2 top gifts (pricier than what I listed above, but the employer was a CEO/owner of the company) and DH and I both picked them....

I'd do this at an office holiday potluck party. Have a sign up sheet for everyone to list what they're bringing that way you're not responsible for all the food.

Good luck!

 

[Handbag Lady]

We do secret Santa and last year the boss gave the recycled garbage gift of some dumb frames. Everyone laughed when I opened it and then everyone good-naturedly explained that it was the dud gift from years and years past (I was new and it really made me feel a part of the team, seriously).

So, I am re-gifting them this year but I'm going to attach a note that I've also paid, in the loser's honor, the gift of a flock of ducks from Heifer International.

 

[christineann]

At our office, we employees don't have to have anything big and fancy, we just want to feel appreciated. At my previous office, the managing partner announced one day that he knew we had been working hard and that it was time for a picnic. Every now and then he had pizza or some other lunch items brought in for us (about 40 employees). That did a lot for morale. My boss left the firm, so my job left with him. I miss that place.

I like my boss very much, but the staff just isn't treated like "we're all part of a team".

I think bringing lunch or breakfast in is a nice gesture.

 

[DISUNC]

Nutin spreads the joy of the Holiday season at work more than Strippers & Booze!

 

[Stacerita]

Myself and the other managers of the department host a luncheon for everyone. That is our gift to them. No way do I want to go out and buy almost 50 gifts.

 

[Feeln'Froggy]

My office gets us pecan trays with candy, salted, chocolate, etc... in the breakroom just come by and snack. Yummy!
I look forward to this every year.
I guess I am easy to please 'cause I love me some pecans!

 

[winkers]

Nutin spreads the joy of the Holiday season at work more than Strippers & Booze!

 

[SomePixiedust]

DH is in a supervisory position for the county and while yes, he is the boss of a crew of 20, he still makes a county salary so we are not in a position to give 20 more gifts. DH caters a lunch for the guys, I send in homemade goodies and he lets them go home early that day.

 

[ZPT1022]

DH used to be the receiving manager at a large retail store. However, some of his guys made more than he did because they'd been there longer and started at the time that the raises were actually good. He wasn't really in a position to buy gifts for all of them so they would arrange a night for a potluck and I would supply a lot of homemade goodies. This seemed to go over well and they all enjoyed the break from the regular work schedule