Scrooge wouldn’t recognize these workplaces

While 2009 brought widespread salary cuts and freezes that created new empathy for Bob Cratchit, the holiday spirit is melting plenty of cold hearts in the workplace. Nearly half of workers plan to give gifts to colleagues, says a new survey.

The OfficeTeam staffing firm found that 48% of employed adults plan to get a present for a colleague, and 34% intend to give a gift to the boss.  And many expect nothing in return: Only 36% expect a gift from a coworker, 29% expect one from the boss.

The season of giving is alive and well at the office.

Of course, exchanging gifts in the work setting requires good judgment. “When choosing presents for colleagues, it’s important to be thoughtful and appropriate,” says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “New employees should check in with tenured staff for insight into prevailing customs.”

OfficeTeam offers some helpful “don’ts” to guide your choices:

• Don’t give overly personal gifts, such as jewelry, to those you don’t know well.
• Don’t pick a controversial or inappropriate gift (e.g. religious-themed gift).
• Don’t scramble to reciprocate if given an unexpected gift.

Here are some articles that also offer good advice:

• Client and Coworker Gifts on a Budget
• Should the Boss Be on Your Holiday Gift List?
• FAQ for Office Gift Giving