Most businesses cut way back this year and did not give raises or bonus money for employees, but now they must decide if their annual holiday customer gift giving and tipping to the mailman and other service providers will be eliminated, too. The good news is that your struggle with this question has been one that Talk Radio and many business groups have been discussing and the majority says that if your business can no longer afford to offer raises and bonus to your employees and you have not had a good year then most clients will understand and not expect a gift. But before you chalk this year up to one in which you are just not going to do anything for your employees or clients or even the mailman, consider the positive impact that holiday gift giving can offer to your business.
First, if you choose your gifts in the local area you will help the local merchants during this difficult year and that will be appreciated and remembered by the store owner. Second, if you feel the receiver doesn’t need the gift you could still offer money to a local charity in the person’s or company name or, better yet, allow them to choose the charity. It is not the amount that you give, but it does go a long way to offer something to those people who have worked all year to help your business. The employee who will not have a raise, but most likely is doing twice the work of last year, might appreciate tickets to a movie or a gift certificate from their local coffee shop with a note saying that you wish it could be more but that they are appreciated. And, your client, who even though their business is struggling, still chose to continue buying from you over your competitors, might be thrilled to have a small gift. It doesn’t have to be a big gift, but offering something small and a note of appreciation will build a positive relationship with your employee, client, mail carrier, etc. The goodwill you offer in 2009 to the key people in your business will carry you forward to 2010 and make it the best year ever!
All my best to your success!
~Charlene
