“Shall we do a Secret Santa?” Chocolates, a generic mug or a last-minute gift card, as the festive season approaches, this question may well have made its way around your office.
Imported from the United States, Secret Santa has become a fixture in many French companies. The principle is simple: a random name, a limited budget (usually between €5 and €15), and a gift to be given to a colleague. The intention is friendly. In practice, enthusiasm is far from unanimous.
A quick online search is enough to show it: a pleasant moment for some, an incentive to overconsumption or an empty ritual for others.
According to a survey reported by Les Échos, only 41% of employees view the initiative positively, while 38% would rather do without it. This is hardly surprising. Giving an object does not replace the bond that is built day by day.
This year, did you struggle to decide what gift to give? A poorly chosen present — one that is overly crude, for example — can tip the initiative into the realm of harassment. The obvious sometimes bears repeating, and case law is there to ensure it. Because even under the guise of conviviality, the employer in France remains bound by their duty to protect employees’ health and safety.
Before we meet again in 2026,
🎄 ærige wishes you a very happy festive season.
