Giftingatworkgivinggiftsatworkworkworkplaceworkplaceettiquette
The rules and regulations in today's workplace have left many of us confused about gifting at work. We all strive to be politically correct when we gift, and balance it with making sure we give someone something they will actually like or use. Knowing when to gift at work is another dilemma; is it just at Christmas? Should we acknowledge the birthdays of any and all co-workers? And is it just the boss who should gift when a promotion occurs?
Some offices, especially larger ones with many employees include gifting as part of their employee handbook. I have worked for companies where gifting on company time was prohibited, even at Christmas only cards were allowed to be exchanged. At another place I worked we each donated a dollar a week of our salary to go towards group Christmas gifts and baby shower gifts for both expectant mom's and dad's. If the place you work has no clear rules on what's right and what's wrong about gifting, here are some guidelines.
Ask before you gift
While there may be no written rules regarding gifting where you work, do ask management first if you may give a co-worker a gift to celebrate a promotion, retirement, birthday, engagement or any other special occasion. Management in this instance typically do one of three things; ask what you are giving to make sure its company appropriate, decide to pitch in and make it a group effort, or ask you to gift on your own time outside the office. Asking first derails any possible embarrassment.
Politically correct gift giving
When a company policy exists to exchange gifts at Christmas, or pitch in as a group to buy a special occasion gift for one co-worker it is important to remain politically correct. Never give a gift that has any political associations, and never give a religious book, plaque or ornament. While you may know someone would appreciate a gift of a religious nature not everyone is so open minded. Stay with neutral giving, you can't go wrong with gift cards to restaurants, clothing shops, day spa's or the big box bookstores or music stores.
It is now considered politically incorrect to gift chocolates, perfume, and in some case's flowers. Not only have many people become environmentally sensitive but food sensitive too. Never give a gift that can cause the receiver or anyone else they have to work with distress.
Gifting and the boss
One of the most inappropriate things to do at work is give the boss a gift for any reason! More careers have been lost to well meaning workers who sent their boss an inappropriate unexpected gift. Never send a congratulatory card to a boss saying, Congratulations on your project/pay raise, keep up the good work', you wouldn't believe how many people do just that, and it never helps their career.
In today's work place most bosses are extremely sensitive when it comes to gifting. When a co-worker or team earns a big project or get promoted, it is generally considered the bosses responsibility to buy them a gift. Whether there is a company fund, or it comes out of the bosses' pocket, a smart boss will gift to employees openly typically during a praise meeting where the whole company celebrates.
Today's work place is more diverse and sensitive than ever before. This doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't gift, by all means if your workplace has no policy try and implement one. This saves everyone from feeling uncertain about the right or wrong way to gift, and your boss may well reward you with a gift of your own!
