The holiday season typically brings a time of joy and a willingness to give to others, and giving to those in the workplace is no exception. However, not everyone believes in giving gifts or has the means to give gifts to their co-workers. While there are no official rules of etiquette in giving gifts, there are some unspoken rules that employees and employers should consider.
When to Give Gifts in the Workplace
Employees should feel free to give gifts publicly given the following considerations:
- They are participating in a gift exchange
- The gift giving is voluntary
- The gift is appropriate for the workplace
- The gift is given in a professional, not personal, manner
- The gift does not make the recipient uncomfortable
- The gift is not put on public display in the workspace
When Not to Give Gifts in the Workplace
Managers should not give gifts unless given to everyone. Other employees should not give gifts publicly when:
- They are unwilling to participate in a gift exchange
- The gift is deemed to be controversial
- The gift is tied to any work related promise of future expectations
- Gift giving violates an employee’s religious or personal beliefs
- They do not have an existing professional relationship with the recipient
Relationships are built between employees throughout the year, and some employees will have a better relationship than others. Employees who want to give a gift to another employee with whom they feel a close personal relationship should do so privately and not make a public spectacle of the exchange in the middle of the office. Giving personal gifts in private avoids rumor, innuendo, and speculation as to why certain individuals received gifts while others did not.
Employees must not be forced or compelled by guilt to participate in a department gift exchange. This should be a voluntary activity. Those employees who wish to sit out should do so without the threat of negative ramifications after the holiday season has concluded. Managers should move the activity forward and support the decision of those employees who choose to sit out.
Organizations need to remember that not all employees believe in giving gifts to co-workers during the holidays and others may not have the extra finances to provide gifts based on their personal situations. Employees who choose to give gifts should not expect gifts in return. Gifts should be given freely with no expectations for the future. While everyone wants to enjoy the holiday season, remember that each person will approach the season differently and should be accommodated as such.
Jennifer Streeter - For the past twenty years, author and executive coach Jennifer Streeter has been managing, coaching, and leading employees in a variety of ...
