Avoid the pitfalls of “hamming it up”
On a radio show in New York recently, a caller told us of the well-meaning, newly hired senior leader who handed out hams to all his employees the day before Christmas—only to learn later that a good percentage of his people were Jewish.
We can all learn from his pain. When choosing holiday gifts, make sure you aren’t stepping on any cultural, religious or personal taboos.
Some companies hand out “recognition questionnaires” when employees are hired—asking what occasions employees celebrate and how they like to be rewarded. Do they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or maybe just New Year’s?
If you are asking the day before a holiday, it’s too late. Plan ahead to avoid problems later.