Q. "What should I get my staff for Christmas?"
Answer:
Your staff has been stretched, stressed, and pushed to the max in the past few years. With Christmas right around the corner, if you haven’t already done some shopping for your staff, you better get on it!
Put aside the Starbucks gift cards and branded t-shirts and mugs to put some extra thought into your staff gifts this year. Here are our picks for the top 5 Staff Gifts for 2022 in true countdown fashion.
#5. Branded Items
Seems contradictory since we just told you to put the travel mugs away, but we’re talking about quality and unique items.
Something with a serious “wow” factor. Think monogrammed Columbia jackets, personalized luggage or briefcases, wireless phone chargers.
#4. Gift Cards
Always a crowd-pleaser, but make sure it’s still personal.
Check-in with supervisors and choose a gift card that’s specific to each employee’s tastes.
Give a physical gift card with a handwritten note, if at all possible.
Stumped? Try a family-friendly restaurant or activity–something that shows you value their whole family and their time together.
#3. Subscription Boxes
The gift that keeps on giving all year long!
There’s literally a crate for everyone containing just about everything.
Personalize it to their tastes and they’ll get a gift that reminds them you care every month.
#2. Personalized Gifts
This takes more effort, we know, but actually go and pick out something personal for every staff member.
A physical gift shows how much you know them and care about their interests.
Examples: Get a houseplant in a gorgeous hand-painted pot for the green thumb of the office. New paints for the artist. Golf balls, tees, and a pass to a local driving range for the golfer.
#1. Paid Week Off Between Christmas & New Year’s
The most budget-friendly option!
Most of your congregation will be MIA so things will be slow.
Since all your staff are off, nobody will return to find huge amounts of emails and stuff piling up.
Wondering how to pull it off? Here are some tips:
Use the phrase “as much as your job allows.”
Have a scaled-back service during that week. Bring in outside help or ask high-level volunteers to lead worship or preach. Make it a family-friendly service with little or no childcare.
Communicate with your congregation well in advance that this is a gift you are offering to your staff so they know why offices are closed.
Have all staff put the same out-of-office email reply and message on their voicemail.
If needed, ask deacons, elders, board members, to cover an emergency number during the time so that no one slips through the cracks.
Whatever you choose for your staff gifts this year, remember, don’t wait until the last minute. Part of the gift to your staff is the time you are taking to make it special and personal. Learn about your people, involve others, and have fun with it!