By Mifi Purvis
Susan Ready is the controller and co-owner of Ready Engineering Corp., a
niche engineering consulting company with a staff of about 30 specializing
in electrical systems and controls. She knows that company gift-giving is
not limited to clients. It’s also an important part of employee retention
and morale. She speaks about her gifts and goals.
“I like to put some thought into the gifts I give our employees. We give
things to staff that they’ll be really interested in, but that they might
also use in their workday. Gifts we’ve given in the past include Bose
noise-cancelling headphones, Palm Pilots (when they were new) and a digital
camera. They can take pictures of the family and, hey, they can use it in
the field, too. We’re an engineering company, so the techno stuff always
goes over well.
“Once we gave casual business attire to staff. Some of them had never been
fitted for a jacket before and most of them really appreciated it.
“I think you have to be careful to think about the implications of a
monetary bonus. People are thrilled the first year but can get jaded about
it. You have to ask yourself how a gift affects motivation.
“And we have an office New Year’s party in January or February, rather than
Christmas. November and December are packed for most people, and sometimes a
Christmas party is just another thing to do. We want staff to have fun.
Besides, it’s easier to get a booking in January. Restaurants are happy to
see a group then.”
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