Is the Christmas hamper stealthily papering over a crappy work culture?

What’s trending on LinkedIn right now??Well on my feed it seems to be awash with pictures of hampers and Christmas gifts bestowed upon employees shouting about it from their keyboards. And why not, it’s always nice to receive gifts and it's Christmas after all right???

I don’t want to be the grinch here, after all I’m self-employed so being at my desk knowing an unexpected gift isn’t forthcoming is a little disappointing. However, aside from the minor envy and the mental note of who I might apply to in the future based on their gifts, (You know you’re doing the same) it got me thinking. How might the superficiality of it all be skewing the reality of some businesses?

What about the posts from employees boasting about the progressive changes their organisations have made. ?The Christmas gifts have proven that lots of employees have a voice. Maybe I’ve missed the mark on this, and all the good stuff is happening in parallel, but my suspicions are that it’s not.?When speaking with others, the most common theme is a Sports and Social Committee working their butts off with whatever budget they can get to put something nice out for staff with management having very little to do with it.?Let’s remember that in most cases that money didn’t just appear out of the pockets of the leadership team.?No, it was earned by everyone who contributed to making the business a success that year.?

So… moaning over what am I suggesting??Well for everyone whose posting their gorgeous gifts… it’s great to see you using your LinkedIn space.?Before posting though, consider whether the business really deserves your positive praise and exposure.?Ask yourself whether you would post positively about the business without your gift??If the answers no, then find something else to post about.?If nothing else, it stops fools like me wanting to apply for a role in the hope of getting chocolate covered pretzels at Christmas.?Equally if the answers yes then post about that too!?

As a collective we want businesses to do better and be better.?I’ve never seen businesses move so fast knowing that their competitors are doing something they’re not, so let’s start exposing those who really are making a positive difference. Let’s really encourage businesses to put their staff first rather than praising them for their Instagram worthy gifts each year.?

If you’re a business reading this maybe it’s time to consider what your Christmas hamper is really being used for.?If you’ve ever sat around the board table and said “Well they got Christmas hampers this year, what more do they need?” then please think carefully.?

Here are a few suggestions on how to REALLY gift your staff this Christmas in addition to the hamper:

·?????Give Presence – For many businesses and individuals Christmas can become the most stressful time of the year. Be present for those who might need it, a cup of coffee and a walk around the block with a listening ear can make all the difference. If offices are on the wind down maybe it’s a great time to get the staff together to listen to what they really have to say.

·?????Let your staff go home – Meeting all the needs of Christmas outside of the workplace is hard enough without having to go on a team lunch before being allowed to go home “early”.?If you genuinely want to let people go early just let them go.?Trust in your staff to do what’s best for them.?It isn’t a joyous occasion for some, and they shouldn’t be guilted or bullied into the festive spirit.?

·?????Commit to Change –?All businesses have room for improvements and there are so many tiny steps that can be taken to help build and create that bigger picture. Acknowledge where you are now and think about how things can be positively different this time next year.?

I hope this has given you some light hearted thinking when delving into your hampers this year. (Remember i'm always happy to taste test anything going spare).

Most importantly I wish you and your closest a peaceful and loving festive season.