Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Office Santa

December 11, 2006

At a NYC firm where I presented last week, a program attendee asked about the etiquette regarding holiday gifts at work. It’s a common inquiry this time of year. So let’s hit the top points.

Most importantly, check to see whether your place of work has a policy that prohibits gift giving in the office. Any office policy may also address limits to the cash value of gifts.
Use holiday gifts to thank people who have helped you (for example, your secretary, assistant, the copy center) and to show your appreciation to people who have helped or mentored you professionally. You do not need to give a gift to your boss, and if anyone could interpret a gift you give to your boss as “brown nosing,” skip it.
Make sure any gift you give is “appropriate.” This means nothing too personal. And avoid gag gifts. You don’t want to risk the recipient taking offense at any gift you give.
Limit the cost of any gifts you do give to $20 - $25.
Any gift giving you undertake should be done quietly and discretely.