Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Gift Giving at Work

December 09, 2009

We’re entering gift-giving season, a particularly perilous time in the workplace. I have listed below some guidelines to help you navigate your way through the season:

Given the state of the economy, employers and managers would be well served to skip office “Secret Santa” exchanges. Lots of personal budgets are tighter than they have been in years. Please, don’t impose upon your workers the obligation to find extra cash for an inner-office gift exchange.
Those employees who wish to exchange gifts on their own should be particularly sensitive to the feelings of others. If you wish to gift one or two fellow workers, do so away from the office, where other colleagues won’t feel left out.
A senior employee may give a gift to a junior. The reverse, however, is not recommended. The junior who gives a gift to his or her direct supervisor may have very good intentions wrongly interpreted as an attempt to curry favor with the boss.
When shopping for the right gift for a colleague, avoid anything that is too personal. Good options may include a coffee mug, an interesting and relevant book, or an attractive business card carrying case. Avoid clothing (lingerie is a huge no-no), cologne, and personal photographs.