Before giving a gift to a colleague, check your employer’s gift policy.
Giving gifts at work can be a complicated procedure. Since each office has its own culture and customs, a new hire may have a hard time determining what the norm is. You may be wondering whether giving gifts during the holidays or whether bridal showers and baby showers are encouraged or discouraged. There are several criteria to consider when giving gifts at work, including formal company policies and informal practices.
Employees can participate in a gift exchange at work.
First, check your company’s policy on giving gifts at work. Many employee handbooks include guidelines on how to give gifts, which should definitely be followed. It’s also common for a business to have informal guidelines about giving gifts, even if there are no written rules about these policies. Ask someone who has been with the company longer than you, or better yet, ask multiple people before giving gifts at work.
No matter what official company policy is, make sure you never offer inappropriate gifts at work. Stay away from anything that could be considered sexual or offensive, or even too personal. If you give gifts in jest, check with another person to see if the gift will be well received or if it will be considered offensive.
Giving gifts at work can be tricky if you work with a large group of people. It is extremely rare for a colleague to discover that he has given gifts to some of his co-workers, but not all. It’s usually better to avoid gifts altogether than to leave out one or two people. Also, remember that not all of your classmates can celebrate the same holidays. Try to keep gift-giving occasions less about religious holidays, so you don’t leave someone out or offend them in this way.
Many people find that they spend a considerable amount of money giving gifts at work and that some of the gifts will never be used. Instead, try to find cards that express well wishes or make a donation on behalf of a co-worker. When making a donation, it’s best to find out what cause or charity is important to your co-worker, as this consideration is often greatly appreciated.
Some offices now stop giving gifts on holidays and offer a special lunch for employees. However, bridal showers and baby showers are still often held in the workplace, often in offices with large numbers of female employees.