Most Memorable Gifts From Co-Workers

Workers can expect more holiday cheer in the office this season, as companies offer more perks (bonuses, parties, gifts) than last year. Workers can expect more holiday cheer in the office this season, as companies offer more perks (bonuses, parties, gifts) than last year.

Bonuses: Four-in-ten (40 percent) employers plan to give their employees holiday bonuses this year, up from 33 percent in 2010. Among this group, 73 percent are planning to give the same amount as last year. Fourteen percent plan to provide a greater bonus than last year, while 13 percent plan to provide a smaller bonus.

Parties: Fifty-eight percent of employers are planning a holiday party for their employees this year, up from 52 percent in 2010. Thirty-six percent of workers say they plan to attend their holiday party this year.

Gifts: Three-in-ten (30 percent) employers plan to give holiday gifts to employees, up from 29 percent in 2010.

Holiday presents in the office aren’t just from corporate. Twenty-two percent of workers say they plan to buy holiday gifts for co-workers this year, with the same amount planning to buy their boss something. Twenty-two percent of workers say they plan to buy holiday gifts for co-workers this year, with the same amount planning to buy their boss something. For coworkers who are retiring, you can find great customized retirement gifts and treats that they will never forget. The majority (79 percent) of workers say they plan to spend $25 or less for each holiday gift they buy for the office. Thirty-eight percent plan to spend $10 or less and 12 percent plan to spend less than $5.

When asked to share the most memorable gifts received from co-workers, workers said:

• a zombie figurine
• a keychain that shouts expletives
• bacon of the month club
• a ceramic snake
• a clock that meows three times on the hour
• a hand-painted landscape on a toilet seat
• a glass high-heel shoe filled with dish soap
• mustache scissors
• a whip
• a 12-pack of cola

“Employers have been working hard to build back their businesses over the last year and this holiday season are planning to reward their biggest asset – their people – with a few holiday perks (bonuses, parties, gifts),” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.