Lighting Birthday Candles at Work

Nearly everyone I know views the upcoming Memorial Day weekend as the starting point of summer. For me, the weekend is the precursor to months of family birthday celebrations. My birthday is in June, and my older sister’s is in July. In August, and despite their passing, I still note the births of both of my parents. When September rolls around, two brothers celebrate their own special days.

I suppose that’s why I’ve found birthday celebrations on my mind.

Whether you’re throwing a child’s birthday party or one for a senior citizen, following a plethora of rules of etiquette can help ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

For now, let’s address the office birthday party:

It’s not at all unusual for offices to recognize an employee’s birthday by springing for a birthday cake. Everyone who possibly can attend the cake cutting should do so and offer their best wishes.
 
In the business setting, giving a birthday gift is never required. Everyone should feel free to give the birthday celebrant a tasteful birthday card. Let's agree to skip all "Over the Hill" cards or ones that are illicit or sexually suggestive. Executives may give a small gift to members of their staff with whom the exec has worked closely. For example, a CEO may give a small token birthday gift to her assistant.
 
Employees are never expected to give a birthday gift to the boss. Got that interns, summer associates, and new hires? You’re off the hook. However, where an employee and employer have established a social as well as a professional relationship, a gift may be exchanged. This exchange best takes place away from the office.
 
When you attend an office birthday party, please don’t forget the most important rule of all: Don’t do or say anything that will become the primary topic of conversation among your fellow workers tomorrow. Although these are social events, they remain business events. Especially when you’re starting work, don't allow any party behavior to hamper your career.
 
 

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