Holiday gift-giving in the workplace can be awkward, especially if you are a new employee and unsure of what to buy or if you even should give a gift. There are no business-etiquette guidelines that suggest you have to give a gift to your boss, but there are some approaches you can take to help you decide if a gift is appropriate.
The first thing you should do is check the office gift-giving policies. Large corporations most likely will have guidelines to follow. Smaller employers usually have no policies, and that’s where guessing becomes part of gift-giving decisions.
How much you spend on a gift is a decision is another consideration, and a couple of factors need to come into play here, including how well you know your boss and your financial situation. The stronger your relationship with your boss, the more likely you will know their interests.
Gifts do not have to be expensive to have meaning, however refrain from buying a cheap gift just to have something to give.
If you decide you want to give your boss a gift, make sure you are not motivated by a desire to look good or make up for mediocre job performance. Gift-giving should spring from a desire to show appreciation.
It’s often easier to approach gift-giving as a group decision. If members of your work team pitch in to buy the boss a gift, it can feel less awkward. If finances are an issue, combining your contribution with those of coworkers can be the way to go, but don’t pressure colleagues into giving the same amount. Although it may appear every team member is in the same boat financially, looks can be deceiving. Suggest a range of giving, such as $5–10 per person.
Many times, the awkwardness of office gift-giving comes from the manner in which the gift is given. For example, don’t be the one in your department to outspend everyone else. This can send the message you want to stand out from the team. Mentioning what you bought your boss to your colleagues can sound like bragging, and it serves no real purpose.
Give your boss his or her gift discreetly, and keep it in good taste. Stay away from personal items such as cologne, perfume or clothing. Here’s an example of how gift-giving can backfire: An employee sent the boss roses with a “Happy Holidays” greeting, and had the flowers delivered to the office. While the intention was appropriate, the incident put the boss and employee in an uncomfortable situation.
If you are struggling with what to buy, consider these suggestions:
professional items
calendars
pens
stationary
photo frames
plants
coffee
gift baskets
What are your thoughts on gift-giving at work? Do you think you should you buy your boss a gift?
