Holiday Survey Reveals Workplace Gift-Giving Habits.

As 2004 comes to a close and holiday spirit rings through offices and cubicles, many employed Americans are looking for advice on gift-giving protocol in the workplace. According to the annual Office Depot Holiday Survey, 43% of respondents plan to give gifts this holiday to at least one business associate, but 90% of those surveyed are unfamiliar with the most current workplace gift-giving etiquette.

The nationwide survey of more than 2,200 Americans was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Office Depot.

“Celebrating the holidays in a workplace environment can be a challenge because exchanging gifts in the office is very different than giving something to a friend or family member,” noted Karen Stockwell, Holiday Business Gift Buyer for Office Depot. “To best support small businesses, Office Depot focuses on gifts that are appropriate for business associates. For the customer who’s not sure where to start, we offer Gifts that Mean Business, including the Top 100 gifts for businesspeople. With pre-chosen products highlighted in the store, Office Depot has taken the worry out of the holiday shopping experience.”

According to Stockwell, the Office Depot survey pointed out that the vast majority of Americans are involved in workplace gift giving — with over three-quarters (78%) noting that they will either give gifts or celebrate the holidays at work.

Stockwell added that Office Depot provides professional gift suggestions to fit all budgets and personalities. Her recommendations include:

— Parker Pen and Pencil Gift Sets — Available in a variety of colors, this pen and pencil set is packaged in a holiday gift box – an ideal gift for the business associate.

— Electronic Texas Hold ‘Em Poker – An electronic game system that hooks up to the TV. Play against up to six players, and get the odds on filling that straight or catching that third ace! Each player starts with $1500, and the one who rakes in all $80,000 wins. Features automatic scoring, complete rules for 25 of the most popular forms of poker, and Excalibur’s Odds Master. Set includes six compact controllers.

— Tee Time Golf Swing Clock — This one-of-a-kind timepiece illuminates the hour and minutes using an optical illusion. The glowing digital numbers appear to be floating in mid-air. It’s an ideal gift for a business associate who would rather be on the golf course than at the office.

— Office Depot Gift Cards – For the person who has everything (or can’t make up his/her mind), these gift cards come in fun and distinct colors in several denominations.

Gift suggestions for business associates who are always on the road, include:

— Comfi-Vibe Neck Pillow – This pillow conforms to any neck size, while the built in massager reduces tension on the road or at the office. The Comfi-Vibe products are designed by Christopher Lowell exclusively for Office Depot.

— Insulated Travel Mug — For the busy traveler, having a cup of morning coffee is essential, but often difficult to coordinate. The insulated travel mug makes a hot beverage on-the-go easy, and will quickly become every traveler’s permanent companion.

— The New York Times Crossword Puzzle – Leave the leaking pen and folded newspaper at home! Whether waiting for the train or taking a break at the office, the 500 crossword puzzles included in this handheld electronic game will keep the mind sharp and the hands free.

According to Stockwell, Office Depot’s survey gave respondents the opportunity to choose which celebrity best describes their holiday shopping style:

— 22% saw themselves as Britney Spears – impulsively buying right up to the holiday

— 20% identified with Homer Simpson – “Doh! It’s Christmas/Hanukkah?”

— 15% believed they were most like Oprah Winfrey – “I buy gifts all year round and give to close friends/family, plus the underprivileged”

— Interestingly, Martha Stewart (“I have every gift wrapped and labeled with a nametag by Halloween”) and Donald Trump (“I have my secretary/assistant take care of all of my holiday shopping”) were the least likely personalities.

Additionally, when looking at workplace personalities the survey revealed that:

— 18% described themselves as having a “Rolodex” personality – neat, compact organizer

— 16% felt they had a “Post It” personality – notes to self all over the workstation

— 12% were like a “Laser Printer” (the quiet one); “Paper Shredder” (everything is everywhere); or “Calculator” (always thinking of the bottom line) personality.