HR Holiday Wish List

‘Tis the season! As an HR or TA professional, it’s the season of updating company policies, planning holiday parties, and trying to get through all of those end-of-the-year housekeeping tasks. And on top of all of that, you’re ordering company gifts for your employees. This year, we’d like to give you a little gift — or, a gift of gifts, really! We’ve put together an HR Holiday Wish List with gift ideas for you! 

Share it with a colleague or family member to drop them a little hint, or use it to pick a gift for another TA professional you know! Or, better yet, treat yourself to something special — you deserve it (especially after 2020). 

1. Something practical.

The truth is, you really can’t go wrong with getting a new item or two for the office — even if ‘the office’ is now a couch or a dining table. From Blue light computer glasses to an under-desk exercise bike, the options are endless!

2. Something warm hot.

You sit down at your desk with a fresh, hot cup of coffee on another Monday morning. But, then you start checking your emails, sit in a meeting or two, and continue about your morning. Next thing you know, your once fresh, hot cup of Joe is lukewarm (if not, cold). Sound familiar? 

Introducing the second gift on this year’s HR Holiday Wish List: Self-heating mug. Whether you’re looking for a stylish to-go tumbler or a functional, long-lasting solution, there are some great options out there for you or your coffee or tea-loving HR friend!

3. Something to drink, perhaps?

Of course, with that self-heating mug, it’s only fair that you get some coffee or tea, if that’s your beverage of choice.

It has also been quite the year, so maybe HR’s favorite beverage of choice is wine or scotch this year. Know the person you’re gifting, and treat them to something special to enjoy during the Holiday season. 

4. Something to read. 

HR professionals are lifelong learners at heart. This year, consider giving the gift of knowledge! Maybe it’s a self-help book or memoir of their favorite leader that you pick out for them. 

Fun fact: Our VP of HR, Zach Townsend, is currently reading New York Times Bestseller, Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.

And hey! If you’re not quite sure what book(s) to get them, consider giving them a gift of choice with an audible book subscription or kindle gift card.

5. Something funny. 

After a year like 2020, we think everyone could use some laughter. Consider giving HR a “Because Payroll” wine glass or maybe a “Don’t make me use my HR voice” t-shirt. There are plenty of fun, quirky HR gifts out there that might just make 2020 a little better for HR — or, at least, funnier!

6. Something thoughtful. 

The last gift we suggest you give your special HR friends and colleagues is the gift of thoughtfulness and appreciation. Emails and texts are great, but maybe, this year, you mail a letter or drop one off at their office or home. Little notes of appreciation and thanks go a long way, especially these days. 

Thank you HR for all that you do!

7. Something intangible.

Now, before we sign off and wrap up this year’s HR Holiday Wish List, we have some intangible gifts that are just as meaningful (if not more) as tangible items. This year, give HR:

1. Empathy. It’s been a tough year, especially for HR. Put yourself in their shoes and understand that they are doing their absolute best for you and your organization.
2. Patience. While we all had a lot to learn this year, HR faced new challenges, regulations, and so much more. Take a deep breath and give a little more patience to HR. 
3. Lack of criticism. As Hannah Montana famously sang, “Nobody's Perfect.” Instead of finding fault in HR plans or work, focus on what you like, provide some recommendations, or ask questions for clarity. 
4. Benefit of the doubt. It’s easier said than done, but this year, give HR the benefit of the doubt. Trust that they always have your best interests at heart.

Thank you to our VP of HR, Zach Townsend, and HR Generalist, Jessica Muir, for sharing some of their HR gift suggestions!