To Give or Not to Give? Workplace Expert Offers Tips for Giving Gifts to
Bosses

TORONTO , Dec. 10 /CNW/ - While most workers aren't planning to give gifts in the workplace this holiday season, more than a quarter are still feeling generous. According to a new survey by OfficeTeam, 26 per cent of employees polled plan to give a present to their bosses for the holidays, and one in five (20 per cent) employees expect to receive one in return.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals, and was conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion.

Workers were asked, "Do you plan to get a holiday gift for your boss?" Their responses:

    
    Yes...............................................................   26%
    No................................................................   74%
                                                                       ------
                                                                        100%
    

Workers also were asked, "Do you expect to receive a holiday gift from your boss?" Their responses:

    
    Yes...............................................................   20%
    No................................................................   80%
                                                                       ------
                                                                        100%
    

The survey results indicate that more women than men intend to play office elf, with 30 per cent planning to give holiday presents to their bosses. Workers between the ages of 18 and 34 also anticipate more gift giving than those in other age groups. Thirty-three per cent said they will give a present to their manager, compared to 22 per cent of workers aged 35-54 and 18 per cent of workers over the age of 55.

"Purchasing holiday gifts for one's manager can often be a tough and even stressful decision for many employees," said Robert Hosking , executive director of OfficeTeam. "It is important to know that while thoughtful, most bosses do not expect gifts from their staff." Hosking adds, "To select an appropriate gift, new employees should check in with tenured staff for insight into prevailing customs."

OfficeTeam offers workers the following do's and don'ts to consider before purchasing a gift for their bosses:

    
                   Don't                                 Do

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Feel it's necessary to exchange      Let your boss know you have valued
    presents                             his/her guidance throughout the year
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Risk being perceived as buttering    Consider asking colleagues to pitch
    up to the boss by being the sole     in for a group gift
    gift-giver
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Break the bank when shopping for     Offer homemade treats or other
    your boss                            meaningful presents to show you care
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Give overly personal gifts, such     Select items that are practical,
    as jewelry or clothing               especially those that can save your
                                         boss time
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Pick a controversial or              Ask around to determine what is
    inappropriate present (e.g.,         appropriate based on the office
    religious-themed gift)               setting and culture
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Overlook the details when            Keep in mind that a nice package and
    preparing presents                   thoughtful note can make more of an
                                         impression
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Scramble to reciprocate if given     Express your appreciation by writing
    an unexpected gift from your         a heartfelt thank-you note
    manager
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    About OfficeTeam
    ----------------
    

OfficeTeam provides businesses with the temporary administrative professionals they need to maximize productivity, achieve cost efficiency and support existing staff. The company has more than 325 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

    
    About the Survey
    ----------------
    

From November 3 to November 4, 2009 , Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted a survey among 367 Canadian adults who are employed in an office environment and are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a representative sample.

For further information: Kristie Perrotte, [phone], [email protected]