Give employees a treat with gas cards in their Christmas cards

The good news is, gas prices have fallen over 40% since the highs of last summer. The bad news is everything else is up...food, clothing and rent have risen sharply. And that means your employees are hurting.

This year, add something thoughtful to your employees' business Christmas cards. A $25 gas card is a nice way to say you care about employees, even when raises and promotions just aren't in the budget.

Or consider a grocery gift card from your town's most popular grocery chain. Avoid choosing a specialty market -- food needs vary, and a smaller market may not offer the vegetarian, Kosher, Halal or other foods some employees require. A specific food like a turkey or ham is a bad idea for the same reason.

Some malls also offer gift cards good in any mall store. Adding these to employee Christmas cards is another nice way to remember employees during the holidays.

No matter which option you choose, in the midst of this year's economic stresses, adding a little something extra to your company Christmas card will make a Happier New Year for everyone.

No Christmas party at work? Holiday cards just became more important for employees and clients

According to an Associated Press article from yesterday, many companies are scaling back or even canceling this year's company Christmas party. Even heavy hitters like Viacom have nixed the traditional Yuletide gathering, offering employees two paid days off instead.

If the annual gathering is not to be, it's even more essential to send business holiday cards to those who would ordinarily be a part of the festivities. While it can't take the place of a face-to-face gathering, a beautiful company Christmas card or New Year's greeting can provide an essential point of contact in this troubled economic climate.

An elegant, well-worded corporate holiday card can convey gratitude for past service or business, offer wishes for a prosperous New Year, and perhaps even reassure business recipients that a trusted company is still around.

According to the AP article, many companies are sending out a message that the party has been canceled out of consideration for those who are facing such troubled times...a lavish party following layoffs, foreclosures and other financial troubles would not be in good taste. Whether or not the sentiment is sincere, it does offer a palatable explanation that seems more considerate than desperate, and might reassure some clients and customers.

For employees, a card with a custom sentiment that expresses gratitude and a sense of understanding, especially if layoffs have occurred or are a possibility, can go a long way towards showing an employee that the company does understand. Enclosing a gift card for a local grocery store or gas station is a wonderful idea -- far less expensive than a party, it will go a long way towards helping employees feel heard.