GIVING GIFTS TO CO-WORKERS MENDS RIFTS

Cincinnati Enquirer - December 13, 2006 –

No matter how much you dislike your co-worker, this is not the time of year to show your displeasure through inappropriate gift-giving. Need clues on what bad gifts might be? Voodoo doll. Tin of burnt cookies. Used makeup. Used cookbook with food stains on it.

Yes, people have actually sent these to folks they work with, according to a recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com and ShopLocal.

Instead, this is a good time of year to show your appreciation, build a relationship, even mend fences with co-workers. Thirty-five percent of workers say they will buy something for their associates.

But if you have a different message to send, giving bad gifts like these and others cited - underwear, a bottle of vodka for a recovering alcoholic and a package of over-the-counter medicines - is not the way to deliver it. If you don't have something nice to give, don't give anything at all.

Nearly three in 10 workers also plan to give a gift to their boss, with 5 percent feeling obligated - most of those being women employees and workers who make less than $50,000. The study found that the more you make, the less likely you are to spend it on your boss.

If you're racking your brain for what would be an appropriate present for boss or co-worker, a gift certificate to a store or restaurant is a safe bet. Food baskets and charitable donations in your co-worker's or boss's name are very tasteful and thoughtful.

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