Giving Gifts at the Office
Posted in Office Etiquette
Giving gifts at the office can sometimes be such a task. There are many issues to consider that may have an effect not only to the gift giver but also to the receiver. Gift giving at the office can sometimes be disallowed for reasons that some companies try to avoid such instances as a way to incur favors from bosses. But then, certain occasions may require gift giving between co-workers (birthday and Christmas parties).
Although different offices may have different rules when it comes to giving gifts at the office, there are certain rules that most of them generally follow. It is important to get to know about these rules in order not to feel awkward when planning to buy gifts for co-workers on certain special occasions.
Check and Inquire
The best way to know what are the standing rules being followed at your office when it comes to giving gifts is to ask around. This is especially true for new employees. It would be better to ask the most senior members in your new office to learn more about gift giving practices. Another way is to check out the employee manual where some companies may provide certain guidelines when it comes to gift giving.
Be a Follower
It can be safe to go with what everybody else do when a certain event comes up that might require the giving of gifts. If co-workers are thinking about giving gift for a birthday, retirement or some other event, you might want to do the same. If it is a gift for a boss, then you might do it as well. Try to know if the plans look for everyone chipping in to buy a gift or buying separately on certain occasions. Avoid trying to go against the flow especially if you are new at the office.
Give Appropriate Gifts
Some offices allow gift giving up to a certain level of appropriateness. And to be on the safe side, try to make sure that you buy and give only gifts that would not be taken the wrong way. Try to stay away from buying gifts that might be seen as too personal, sexual or intimate. Try to bear in mind of a gift's usefulness around the office instead.
