inappropriate holiday greeting cards

speckledegg
Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:59:58 +0000

A holiday bonus given in a company Christmas card that references poop or urine? Why? That is immature, unprofessional, lowers the professional stature of the company, and subtly disrespects the recipient at time when what needs to accompany the bonus is a sincere expression of respect and gratitude for their contribution. It’s like giving a gift to someone while making a demeaning joke or gesture at the same time… there is a backhanded (though apparently unintended) message. Employees who go the extra mile and try to do a good job for 12 months have their effort recognized with a card bearing the image of a dog urinating on a snowman? It doesn’t matter if the recipient owns a dog. It’s “off.” This would be an opportunity for a neutral card with a warm, appreciative handwritten message inside, or a letter of appreciation on company letterhead. An employee could share such a card or letter with their family, with a focus on the employee’s contribution, without having the message of appreciation compromised by a cartoon. The fact that the cards were given in a business environment from a boss to a subordinate, and by a male boss to female subordinates, just makes it even more inappropriate.