FOR those who may have missed the subtle signs in shop windows or perhaps not noticed the very occasional references on television; it would appear that the holiday season is here. Who knew, eh?
And round this time of year HR folks are always asked (and by always I mean practically never) what presents they might like. The answer to that is a difficult one my friends. Difficult to narrow down I mean.
For some of us it could be some steel to wire our jaws shut, in order to avoid the deluge of sweets, chocolate and crisps that seem to overrun the office. For others it might be shiny new diaries to do our best writing in (for the first week of January anyway) or even peace on earth, cos we love people, right?
Having said all that there are a few alternative presents that might come in handy round the workplace, ones that could be delivered, opened and shared at the start of December; pre-gifts if you like.
A book called ‘how to know your audience’ would be good. The end of year party can be a minefield and (for that solitary soul who still hasn’t got the message) is an extension of the workplace! This means that you are representing your company and bad behaviour could result in you paying a visit to the naughty step, or worse; getting a nicely wrapped p45, post hangover.
What a present for your significant other that would be. This book would help folks understand that while it’s okay to have some laughs and banter with your friends, sometimes not everyone shares your sense of humour and what may seem like great craic to you may be offensive to them, even if they just overhear you. So be careful what you say in company; know your audience (what they do or don’t tolerate) and remember that some folks are not particular tactile, so keep one’s hands to oneself.
Some emotional X-ray vision glasses would be good, just to see how others are feeling inside. For many it’s the time of year that’s all about friends, family and fun. For some however it’s most definitely not. Some folks may be worried about how they will pay for all their kids’ toys. Others may be worried about a partner’s relationship with alcohol, maybe some are just simply terribly lonely.
You don’t have to solve these problems but you should try and look out for your colleagues and if they seem upset or withdrawn, perhaps have a quiet word, point them towards someone who can help or maybe just alert someone else who can provide some assistance.
A virtual reality set; one that allows you to see things from another’s point of view would be a winner. It’s a good time of year to perhaps forgive and forget, to move on from petty squabbles and maybe you could do that by reflecting on some of the issues you’ve had at work over the year and putting yourself in the other person’s shoes.
A DVD of some Charles Dickens adaptation (A Christmas Carol maybe) would be useful to show us that perhaps we are not badly off and rather than concentrate on the things we don’t have, we should just take a look around our workplace and maybe be grateful for the things that are provided for us which we maybe take for granted.
And if you have any money left perhaps a lottery ticket (but only a guaranteed winner), so we can do some remote HR work from Hawaii (we think better there, with a nice cocktail in our hands). Have a nice holiday folks!
:: Barry Shannon (bshannon@cayan.com) is director of human resources at TSYS Cayan in Belfast
