How to Buy a Gift for Your Assistant

It is possible to maintain a professional relationship with an assistant and still show your appreciation for his or her work.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flower Bouquets
• Picture Frames
• Gift Certificates
• Spa Gift Certificates
• Personal Organizers
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Avoid spending a lot of money on the gift; if you do, it may make your assistant uncomfortable.

2. Buy emotionally neutral gifts. Stay away from lingerie, jewelry or anything that might be interpreted as too intimate.

3. Consider your assistant's interests. Gift certificates to a favorite bookstore or music shop will show your thoughtfulness.

4. Think practical. Cellular phone minutes and electronic gadgets are useful gifts people enjoy receiving.

5. Think frivolous. Homemade foods, flowers, food baskets, a day at the spa or dinner for two make great gifts.

6. Try giving your assistant "bragging rights" with a gift that he or she can leave at work as a reminder of your appreciation. A picture frame works nicely.

7. Include a note describing the occasion and a sentiment if appropriate: "thanks," "good luck," "keep up the hard work," etc.

8. Present your gift in front of a group to publicly recognize your assistant.

Tips & Warnings

• Occasions for gifts include the winter holidays, employment anniversaries, birthdays and Secretary's Day.
• Take into consideration the level of friendship and duration of your acquaintance with the person.
• Avoid gifts that are directly job related; a new stapler or computer monitor probably won't be appreciated.

[Auntrachel]

on 4/26/2008 Please please please...no picture frames....can we all say regift....

[Entropy997]

on 4/23/2008 I don't think that a picture frame is what I'd call bragging rights...

[CASunflower]

on 4/23/2008 There are some very good tips here, but I wouldn't take the last one, about presenting gifts in public to show appreciation, as gospel. I think the intention behind this is good, but each individual workplace should be taken into consideration. Presenting a gift in public could cause embarrassment to others not recognizing their employees in the same manner, jealousy toward the recipient (and possibly gossip) for having received the nice gifts, and might even embarrass the recipient to have a big deal made of it. While most people might like that, I personally wouldn't. I just think there are too many variables here to follow that last piece of advice without thinking it through.

[sixstring2slim]

on 4/23/2008 Knowing I few of these basic guidlines for appropriate behavior in the workplace is great... Everybody wins! Great Topic, sixstring2slim

[KimberlyP]

on 4/23/2008 This day is posted on most calendars, just like boss' day. Your assistant will know these days. Don't forget them. This is your chance to be a 'good' boss.