By Chron Contributor Updated January 25, 2021
Giving a gift to an employee shows you appreciate his work. Some small business owners, however, are concerned about the ethical and legal ramifications of gift giving – and rightfully so. The type of gift you give, how you give it and its cost might imply the wrong meaning or cause other employees to feel left out.
Cash Value
No matter which gifts you choose for your worker, don't spend an excessive amount of money. Doing so might cause your employee to feel uncomfortable. Aim to spend $100 or less for employee gifts. If you have more than one employee, spend the same amount of money on each person during the holidays. Exceptions to this rule include gifts for a personal assistant, personal secretary, retirement, achievement or an award.
Timing Gifts
Give multiple employees their gifts at the same time. This way, you avoid making other employees feel falsely left out or unappreciated. During a holiday party, hand out gifts at the table or before the meal. Otherwise, hand out gifts with all employees present or leave the gifts at employee desks prior to their arrival. Give retirement, achievement gifts or awards after an announcement, preferably during a celebration. This also helps avoids questions from other employees, as they might question your motives.
Gift Types
To avoid giving gifts that are too personal, which CNBC suggests, choose gifts relevant to your employee's job. Suitable gifts include business card holders, pens, passport holders or name plates. Sporting gifts, such as volleyball nets, tennis rackets, golf balls or spectator chairs are also acceptable, just don't leave anyone out.
For example, if 40 percent of your staff play golf and the other 60 percent dislike the sport, think of another gift. Some of the best gift cards for employee recognition are restaurant, grocery or movie gift certificates. It is important to get the same gift card amount for employees across your business. Traditional holiday gifts include fruit baskets or a turkey.
Special Occasions
Retirement, award and achievement gifts may exceed the $100 value. Employers may purchase baby shower or wedding gifts and send the gifts directly to the home of the employee. Don't give a special gift in front of other employees. Keep your gift simple, however -- don't give adult-themed or prank gift. Traditional gifts include a photo frame, dinnerware, glassware or a kitchen component. If you're tempted to buy a large gift, such as a vacation or savings bond, do the same for all of your employees during similar events.
As an employer, you should not expect to receive gifts from employees. However, if you are graced with a gift from an employee for a particular occasion, thank them when accepting and make sure to not make other employees feel uncomfortable. Tech Republic notes that it is important to not pressure employees or give them a feeling of obligation with regards to gift-giving. You don't want the thought of "My boss bought me a gift" to turn into guilt and confusion rather than appreciation and contentedness.
