Giving Gifts at Work
Posted in Workplace Advice
Ask around
If you are newly hired or have not been around the office for any gift-giving occasions yet, ask a co-worker who has been here longer. Ask about the protocol on whether to give gifts if a colleague is getting married, having a baby, or retiring.
Look at your employee manual
Some organizations have rules set when it comes to gift giving, as part of their workplace policy. Check out your company's official policy about giving gifts, as some offices do not allow such.
Follow the crowd's lead
Your office may not be used to giving co-workers Christmas presents, but you realized that your sister or a friend buys gifts for all of their officemates. That is because you are following how other people do their ways. If all employees are sending gifts to their boss, it is best to plan the gifts as well.
Give appropriate gifts
Never give presents that can be misconstrued even if you know the person well. Avoid sending gifts that are too sexual, intimate, or personal.
Pool resources if necessary
There are some instances when one or two quality gifts pitched in by the whole office are better than sending a bunch of gifts from different employees that the person may not need.
Gift something useful
Stay away from little knickknacks unless the recipient will enjoy them. Give a present that you know the celebrator would use.
When sending multiple gifts, give it to all workmates
If it is the holiday season and you are about to give gifts to a team or department, make sure to include everyone. Do not leave out a few colleagues if you do not want to cause hard feelings.
Organize a gift swap
Some of the stress about gift giving can be eased by organizing "Secret Santas" or gift exchange. This allows for each person to concentrate on one other person and not be overwhelmed by gifts.
