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Veterinary Practice News Editorial Blog:
Monday, December 8, 2008
Holiday Gifts for Staff
By Somyr McLean Perry
Contributing Editor of VeterinaryPracticeNews.com and Veterinary Practice News
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These are tough economic times and although veterinary clinics are said to be hanging in there, practice owners are probably keeping a close eye on excess spending. Spending and the holidays go hand in hand, so what's a practice to do this year to show its appreciation for its staff? A chat board for veterinary staff had some great ideas.
Most said that money talks, but even modest bonuses may be difficult to come by if the money just isn't there. Some suggested gift cards to various retail stores, but with some major retailers going under, gift cards might not be the way to go. I like one suggestion for subsidizing a trip to a theme park, a comedy club, a local playhouse or a dinner-movie combo. Many times places like these will negotiate a group discounted rate.
Others liked more homey touches, such as potluck dinners at the practice owner's home . Hand-writing personalized cards to each employee was an especially good suggestion; words of appreciation are more powerful than gifts, one poster said. Several people also liked receiving various items with the clinic's logo printed on them, such as sweatshirts, T -shirts or water bottles. That's team spirit!
Bonus paid time-off days may also be popular among employees with families or for those who like to travel.
Here are a few ideas of my own:
- iTunes cards. Because just about everyone these days has an MP3 player and one $15 card buys a lot of songs.
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- Target or Wal-Mart cards. The news media recently announced that these supergiant retailers appear to be financially stable in part because they've added grocery-type goods to their shelves. These gift cards are great because they give employees the freedom to purchase practical necessities or splurge on something fun.
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- Magazine subscriptions. Choose based on your employees' hobbies outside of pets and the clinic. Consdier Hobby Farm and Hobby Farm Home magazines for lovers of all things rural, Domino or Lucky for fashionistas, Runner's World, Men's Health or Women's Health, Outside magazine for your active employees, Cook's Illustrated for the chef in the group, or National Geographic for those people whose hobbies you don't know.
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- Manicures or pedicures. Yes, even for the men in the clinic. Not even they can resist a great foot massage.
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- Jewelry. Although jewelry may sound like too personal a gift for a female employee, choosing just the right piece of jewelry will go over fine, especially one you can engrave with your employee's name. I really like those Tiffany-like sterling silver heart charm toggle bracelets that are very popular these days and quite reasonably priced for a gift you give to high-ranking staff member. Have their name engraved and you have a very touching gift she will likely cherish for years.
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