Choosing Holiday Gifts for Your Co-Workers

​(StatePoint) Looking for that special holiday present for your employees or your team? Instead of re-gifting that impenetrable fruit cake, try giving gifts based on individual working styles.

“By observing how individuals prefer to work, you can find inspiration for gifts that complement their ‘Business Chemistry,’” suggests Suzanne Vickberg, Ph.D., and research lead for Deloitte’s Business Chemistry, and co-author of the new book, “Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.”

Here are the different types you’re likely working with and some gift options that might appeal to them:

• Pioneers are adventurous, energetic and imaginative. They likely cherish creative or out-of-the-box gifts. For this employee, think memorable concerts or performances, improvisation classes or unique experiences like a bull-riding class.

• Guardians are practical and reserved, and they care about the details. They may discourage you from making too much of a fuss. So, shop for gifts that allow them to relax and enjoy their time off during the season’s festivities. Noise-cancelling headphones, a monthly book subscription, or a coffee shop gift card could be a hit.

• Drivers are logical, competitive and curious. They like to set goals and track their progress, so they might value wearable technology or other gadgets that help them jump-start their 2019 ambitions. They also like a challenge, so mindbender, strategy or construction games might appeal to them as well.

• Integrators are empathic and relationship-oriented, and they love bringing people together. They may particularly cherish gifts that help brighten their social gatherings and the memories that go along with them. Delight this coworker with an interesting food basket, or a gift certificate for a custom photobook. Or, consider a gift that brings them enjoyment through helping others, such as a charitable donation in their name.

More tips about using “Business Chemistry” to guide interactions with employees and teams are available in the new book, “Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.”

Of course, no gift-giving strategy is foolproof, but reflecting on individual working styles may help you avoid gift-giving pitfalls this holiday season and help keep the peace around the office.