Tight deadlines for year-end tasks and preparing for the next can make the holiday season a stressful time at work. So, companies usually add a little celebration to lighten the mood. But one employeeshareda story of how a Secret Santa exchange only made things worse. They carefully chose a thoughtful gift for their boss, wrapping it in a cute box. However, in return, the boss gave a mockery of a present, ultimately adding to the employee’s decision to leave the job altogether.
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The holiday season can get hectic at the office
Image credits:Kateryna Hliznitsova/Unsplash (not the actual photo)
And for this worker, a gift exchange with their boss only added to their stress
Image credits:Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo)
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These awkward and hurtful situations are the reason why people aren’t pumped about Secret Santa in the first place
On paper, the holiday tradition can help bigger groups exchange presents pretty efficiently, but much of its success depends on who’s involved.
Gifts forotherpeople’s kids, such as nieces, nephews, and friends’ children came in second place with 40 percent, while gifts for neighbors (27 percent) and in-laws (26 percent) ranked next.
“There’s often a sense of obligation to participate in workplace or social gifting traditions, even when budgets are tight,” Money.com.au finance expert Sean Callerysaid.
“Secret Santa or gifts for distant relatives or acquaintances can feel more like a box-ticking exercise than spreading festive cheer. In a time of rising cost-of-living pressures, some people might question these purchases and focus on more meaningful gifts for their closest loved ones instead.”
Image credits:Jess Bailey/Unsplash (not the actual photo)
In fact, cost-cutting and the desire to avoid mingling with colleagues are pushing many workers to miss their office Christmas parties.
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