Secret Santa blunders can blight season of goodwill for employers
David Woods, 25 November 2009
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2 comment's on this article.It may sound like an effective way of spreading Christmas cheer in workplaces, but employers have been warned that having a Secret Santa could lead to unnecessary offence with one in 10 employees deeming it 'highly inappropriate'.
HR and Training Consultancy Jaluch has advised employers to set a clear policy around Secret Santa, following a catalogue of Secret Santa blunders including staff receiving chocolate body paint and other gifts with a sexual connotation, extra strong deodorant, a bottle of wine (given to a Muslim) or an unwanted gift recycled from the year before.
Despite this, 73% of companies that responded to a recent Jaluch poll thought Secret Santa a great idea while only 17% believe it can cause more bad will than good and 10% deem it ‘highly inappropriate'.
Kathie-Louise Clarke, HR adviser at Jaluch, said: "Most people take Secret Santa in the spirit it is intended and we'd certainly encourage companies to continue the tradition.
"However, it's essential that Secret Santa is voluntary - not everyone celebrates Christmas and for some the cost of buying an extra present can be a burden. There's also the potential to offend and what might seem a bit of light fun now could form a small part of a complex grievance later on.
"Part of the fun of Secret Santa is that staff all open their presents together at the Christmas party - choosing something with the potential to embarrass or offend or something that taps into a personal vulnerability could cause problems. If staff are in any doubt they should play it safe."
Other Secret Santa upsets include buying self-help guides, ‘how-to' books, diet vouchers, nose and ear hair trimmers and political or religious joke gifts.
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Divya Adusumilli - 27 November 2009
If Secret Santa promises fun without attacking vulnerabilities of colleagues, it is a brilliant idea. Spreads good will and cheer and the mood of festivity.
I would think it pointless to give a gift with the thought of displeasing someone, more than getting them to smile or have a good laugh. Gifts are meant to share happiness and reflect our understanding of our colleagues and should pleasantly surprise rather than crudely offend.
Having said that, I don't think that gifts should be overly interpreted. They must be seen as tokens of affection and must be recieved well. Keeping in mind that gifts are reciprocated, the giver should be thoughtful in building a relationship through the act of gifting.
John Durrant - 02 December 2009
Secret Santa is a complete waste of money. You spend your fiver on a complete load of rubbish that will most likely end up in the rubbish bin. A silly waste of time and money in a society hell bent on consumerism.
John
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