I know someone posted a few weeks ago about getting a gift for your boss (I was opposed to it) but am finding out that my new boss (new to me, not the existing staff) was the recipient of a pretty pricey (I have heard upwards of $150+ from an office of three) gift last year from his staff. He returned to them $10 gift cards for a coffee chain. I know this is the season for giving more than receiving but when someone is knowingly being cheap (he is notorious for penny pinching, I have seen that first hand to the community we serve!) but when you know your boss makes twice what you make (at least) what do you do? I retract my previous thoughts of not getting a gift but how do I break off $50+ dollars knowing $10 might be coming my way?
Please, I am really looking for insight or a more positive spin on this, not judgment. (I hate that I have to put that disclaimer out there btw!) Thanks in advance everyone!
Whoa, I can tell you that I think giving $50 towards a gift for your boss is way too much. In my office of 8 people, not including the boss, we usually give $15-20. If someone asked me to give more, I would just simply say, sorry I can only give $X amount. In today's economy, I would hope people would understand.
If the gift money is being pooled (sp?) together, simply give what you are comfortable with. If it is being said "everyone needs to chip in $50", I would politely inform them that you will only be able to give X amount. Good Luck
well, what is the purpose for the gift? That is what you are getting for your money. Brownie points, good office politics, keep the peace with other employees, to avoid looking like a jerk when you say you don't want to spend that much. Is that worth the $50?
And what is he buying with his $10 gift card? It is supposed to be a thank you to all your employees for hard work and loyalty. He's not showing much gratitude and not earning much loyalty! So what his $10 is actually buying him is no brownie points, bad office politics, general uproar and no peace, and he comes off looking like a jerk to his employees!
It depends on you and your situation, but you don't have to buy your boss or anyone anything for that matter. This is for the holidays, right? A card is enough, imo. Maybe include a hand written note saying that you appreciate him and wish him well. Make it about the kind sentiment and not the money spent.
This is the second time I have read about this practice in the newspaper columns or here, and it makes me so puzzled. When did we turn 180 degrees away from the tradition that the boss gets an employee a nice gift or a monetary bonus and the employee is not expected to give a gift (or maybe a nice small gift)? Why on earth would these people spend this much money on their boss? My husband is a financial advisor and he gives a very nice bonus to his assistant, and I also pick out something nice for her from the mall. In return, she gives us a modest bottle of wine and we are very appreciative ofnthat because it is not expected. It sounds to me like these employees are kissing up or have been given incorrect etiquette info on office gift-giving. You should share this info with them.
