5 Top Tips for Office Kris Kindle

by Tadhg Kearney, Principal Lead. Abrivia Recruitment Specialists

As we get closer to Christmas many offices are rolling out their version of Kris Kindle. In most cases this is a great opportunity for employees in the business to have a bit of fun with their colleagues and create
a positive atmosphere within the company.

However, there are a number of tips for both employers and employees to follow to ensure that this fun gesture does not turn into an issue that affects the atmosphere within the company.

1 Involvement

This is a big part of a successful Kris Kindle. It is important to try and get everyone involved but also to have an understanding for people who for whatever reason are not willing to play a part. As this is an optional activity within the company people are under no obligation to take part and as such it is important to respect people’s decisions.
 
2 Rules

For the organiser of the Kris Kindle it is important for them to set rules and in particularly around the limit of spending on the gift. The last thing that needs to happen is for people to feel under pressure to spend too much or for people to try and upstage everyone with lavish presents. A price limit of €10-€15 should ensure that most people can afford the gift but also to allow for a decent gift to be purchased.
 
3 Organisation

It is important to have someone who is impartial do the draw. Some companies have a rule where people who are good friends with each other or are on the same team cannot be each other’s Kris Kindle. The reason behind this is that it encourages people to branch out from their group and get involved with the wider company.
It is also very important that people are given appropriate time in which to purchase the gifts. As most companies will do the Kris Kindle at either their Christmas party or on the last day of work the beginning of December is always a good time to make the draw.
 
4 Appropriate Gifts

A lot of people will go down the joke route with their Office Kris Kindle gifts and this can add a lot of fun and enjoyment to the company. However, the key to this is a gift that is appropriate for the office and also for the individual. If you don’t know the person too well, ask someone in the office who is close to them or spend a bit of time having a conversation in the lunch room/water cooler and see if you can get an inside into their personality. Nothing ruins an office Kris Kindle more than an inappropriate gift.
 
5 Fun
Most importantly have fun with the Kris Kindle. It is a perfect opportunity to make new friendships within the company and to show a bit more of your personality. Like all events within Companies management pay attention to the real team players and will make a mental note of this going forward which is always important for future promotions or positive references down the line.

Most importantly, have fun.