Bah Humbug, Boss!

70% of people surveyed do not give their boss a holiday gift

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Nov 17, 2010, 11:56 ET

HANOVER, Md., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Is it a sign of tough economic times or is holiday gift-giving at work no longer an annual workplace tradition? With the current U.S. unemployment rate looming at 9.6%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees are surely making an extra effort to maintain a secure position at their current place of employment. But this holiday season, they likely won't be doing so by giving their boss a gift.

According to a recent survey conducted by Aerotek, a leading U.S. staffing provider, 67% of respondents said they do not receive a gift from their boss, while just as many (70%) said they do not give their boss a gift during the holidays.

Gift Cards Rank Most Popular Gift

Of those who do exchange gifts with a boss or co-worker during the holiday season, the most popular gift to receive is a gift card (61%), followed by lunch at a restaurant (14%) and a bottle of wine, beer, etc. (11%), according to the Aerotek survey. A thoughtful gift shared between a boss and employee doesn't have to be costly. The Aerotek survey showed that more than 75% of people who give their boss a gift for the holidays spend $20 or less.

"Even while the economy may still be creating uncertainty within the workplace, holiday traditions don't have to fall to the wayside," said Todd Gardner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Aerotek. "An unexpected gift for a boss or an employee is a simple way to show your ongoing appreciation and to spread holiday cheer throughout the workplace."

About Aerotek

Aerotek, headquartered in Hanover, Md., is a leading provider of technical, professional and industrial staffing services. Established in 1983, Aerotek is an operating company of the Allegis Group, the largest provider of staffing services in the United States. Aerotek operates a network of more than 150 non-franchised offices throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information, visit www.aerotek.com.

SOURCE Aerotek