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What you need to know about office gift exchange etiquette
Not sure what sort of gift to get your boss or co-workers this holiday season?
Not sure what sort of gift to get your boss or co-workers this holiday season? We thought so. That's why we sat down with Louise Fox, owner of The Etiquette Ladies Canada, for an in-depth exploration into the do's and don'ts of the infamous office gift exchange.
What should I get my boss for the holidays this year?
The perfect and most suitable gift would be absolutely nothing—other than working hard all year long. According to Louise, gifts can very easily be misinterpreted. You can give your boss a card with a thankful note inside, or a gift the entire staff pitches in for, like a framed photo of the team or something generic, but avoid individual gifts because they might send the wrong message.
The same goes for extravagant gifts or gifts of a personal nature. Your boss makes more money than you and he or she knows exactly how much you earn so there's no need to go out of your way for an expensive gift. An overgenerous gift can spark one of two thoughts in your boss' mind: "Am I paying him/her too much?" or "Why is this person brown-nosing and what do they want?" Neither thought is a good one.
Personal gifts like flowers, candy or jewellery send a far more romantic message than is appropriate between an employer and employee. So opt for a simple card or a handshake instead. It's clear, concise and easy on your wallet.
What do I need to know about office gift exchange etiquette?
A gift should never be overpriced because it can make the gift receiver feel a tad uncomfortable. Always select something in a moderate price range and always include a card. "You may want to add some sentiment of your own saying how you appreciate their friendship at work, their helpfulness, mentoring or whatever it is," Louise advises. It adds a thoughtful touch without getting too personal.
Speaking of personal, avoid gifts with an intimate connotation, as well. Gifts that send a romantic message should be avoided. Humorous gifts on the other hand are fine but only if you know the person well enough and you know they share your kind of humour. Otherwise, it can be a trip down awkward lane.
Another thing you should do is try to pick a gift the person would appreciate without asking them what they want directly. "If you don't know them well enough to know what they might like, you probably shouldn't be giving them a gift," Louise explains. "Part of the enjoyment of receiving a gift is the surprise element. The gift should express your thoughtfulness."
What to know before heading off on a holiday gift shopping spree
When it comes to buying gifts for a co-worker, you need to approach the situation a little differently than if you were purchasing something for a friend or relative. Especially if the gift exchange is mandatory and you're not doing it because of your profound friendship with your cubicle roommate.
"Corporate gift giving can be a very tricky business. If not handled with care and forethought it can cause problems and generate more of the negative feelings it was perhaps designed to eliminate," Louise cautions. So follow Louise's express etiquette guidelines to avoid a potential embarrassing or awkward situation at the office.
Always:
- Know the company policy for sending and receiving gifts.
- Give a gift you know the receiver will enjoy, appreciate and use.
- Make a distinction between personal and professional gifts.
- Send a group gift rather than an individual gift to your boss.
- Wrap the gift attractively and include a card.
Never:
- Buy extravagant gifts. It is both poor strategy and in poor taste.
- Make holiday gifts explicitly religious.
- Give gifts that look like promotional items or advertising.
- Give wine or spirits to someone with religious restrictions.
- Send humorous gifts to someone who doesn't share your sense of humour.
Originally published in LOULOU
