Workplace Gift Giving: The Good, the Bad, and…You Know…

The Christmas Countdown Is On! It will be here before we know it. Share your business holiday traditions below! Is Secret Santa more of a sidenote that you wrap into your X-Mas parties somehow?

Gift-Giving: Is there a policy, and has it been communicated to your staff?

Workplace gift-giving is always appreciated, and it helps to strengthen relationships as well. That said, this tradition should be tread with caution to make certain that your kind gesture is indeed a good idea.

The Do’s

It is important to have a concrete policy regarding the exchange of gifts in an office. The policy should have clearly defined DOs. In other words, the DOs are the parameters that the employees should be aware of that have been set by the organization.

1. Not Mandatory: While it seems like a pretty good thing, some people might not actually want to participate in gift-giving. Some of the reasons one may choose to sit out could be economic or religious. Because of this, it is essential to communicate to your workers that they are not required to give a gift.
2. Remain Business-Oriented: Anyone who participates may need a reminder that the gifts have to be workplace-appropriate. Perhaps have some recommendations for items that are good and a little more detail on what is not allowed.
3. Take Company Culture into Account: Different workplaces have different rules, as either policy or more subtle cues in the culture. Keep in line with your company culture and policies where your gift is concerned.
4. More the Merrier: When it comes to gift-giving around the holidays, it is essential to ensure that the policies are inclusive. It may be necessary to remind employees that if they are bringing gifts for some colleagues, they may want to get something to share with the entire team to ensure no one feels left out.
5. Determine the Cost: Agreeing on a budget for workplace gifts can help ensure that everyone feels comfortable and no one feels pressured to overspend.

The Don’ts

Dos are followed by don’ts. Do this but not that. There may be times when the don’ts have to be laid down and reinforced with a workforce before company policy is adhered to. Give all employees a copy of the company gift-giving policy just before each holiday season. Without further ado, below are some don’ts to keep in mind:

1. No Personal Gifts: You probably should avoid purchasing gifts that are too personal or intimate when you are buying for your coworkers. The gifts to be selected should be items that can be comfortably given to almost anyone in the office. Keeping the gifts more general in nature will lessen any perceived impropriety.
2. Don’t Overdo It: There is nothing worse than purchasing a gift for someone and seeing that the gift causes them discomfort. One sure way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by following the dos of gift-giving outlined in the policy. If a gift is purchased that exceeds the amount limits put in place, it may make the receiver feel uncomfortable.
3. Avoid Anything Controversial: Do not give anything that can be viewed as political, religious, or otherwise sensitive. Go for neutral items that everyone loves.
4. No Obligation: Remember, gift-giving should be voluntary. No one should feel obligated to participate or contribute.

Conclusion

Workplace gift-giving is a lovely way to brighten someone’s day and say thank you, but it should be done tastefully. When your gifts are professional, inclusive, and reasonably priced, you can assume that your gift will be cherished and promote a good working environment. Happy gifting!