Grounding the Turkey: Creative solutions to the holiday gift dilemma.

• Author: Frey, Shellie M.
• Position: Focus - Holiday Gift Giving

They work long, dedicated hours, missing their kids' soccer games and dance recitals. They give you their blood, sweat and tears... and for what? A year-end turkey? Okay, so your employees also get a paycheck and an occasional bonus -- and perhaps they're not always the diligent soldiers you expect But a turkey? Year after year?

And what about your clients? Are your holiday gifts to them more about remembering you than remembering them? If so, take stock -- and then take a look at how the following Utah companies have rewarded those who help keep them in business with unique holiday gifts.

"Every year we rent out a movie theater and whatever the hot new movie is, we show it throughout the day," say Bret Gallacher, communications manager for Associated Food Stores, which employs about 1,500 workers. All employees and their families are invited to the free showing, which is followed by the annual company party featuring food and prizes. Though the all-da event does require some corporate cash, Gallacher says the boost in employee morale is worth it. "It (costs) a substantial amount of money," says Gallacher, "but the positive fee back that we get from our employees an their desire to stay here at the company far outweighs any monetary output."

Other firms agree. Companies such as Novell, for instance, have been known to take their employees snowmobiling, stargazing or to a full-blown gala at Snowbird Ski Resort to commemorate the holiday season or for achieving company goals. Though many of these reward events are departmentally driven, employees still enjoy the chance to celebrate together and to be recognized in a unique way for their hard work.

"Few management concepts are so solidly founded as the idea that positive reinforcement -- rewarding behavior you want repeated -- works," says Bob Nelson, author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees (Workman, New York). "In fact, in today's business climate, rewards and recognition have become more important than ever"

Experts agree that once employees feel valued as individuals and that their efforts make a difference to the organization, they will perform at higher levels. But you don't have to be a Fortune 500 company to show that appreciation. Even if you run a modest-sized company or a small business, simple gestures of gratitude can still make a big difference--particularly when it comes to holiday gifts.

"What I do for my employees (at Christmas) is take them to dinner and we play Bingo for...