Every year, when I am making my holiday gift list, I am always undecided on whether I should get a present for my boss. We're not particularly close, but I am not sure of the workplace gift-giving etiquette. I also don't want to be the only employee who doesn't give a gift! What should I do?
Thanks!
Workplace Worrier
Dear Workplace Worrier,
You bring up a lot of important and interesting points regarding workplace gift giving. Let me give you my thoughts:
- First, check your employee handbook. In many workplaces, giving gifts to supervisors is not allowed or the gifts must be under a certain dollar amount. I know this is the case at my job! If your workplace doesn't have a policy, you can take the lead and encourage one. I think many co-workers would be grateful to have a clear policy outlining what they can't and can do.
- If a comprehensive policy doesn't fly in your workplace, another idea is to suggest alternatives to gifts. Perhaps your team can host a potluck instead of buying presents. Or perhaps your boss would allow an afternoon of volunteering.
- You mention you aren't particularly close to your boss. In that respect, don't feel obligated to buy a gift. Remember, a gift is a gift- not a requirement! If you were close to your boss, give a gift based on your friendship, not on her role as your boss.
- See if you can discreetly check the mood of your co-workers. Perhaps they are just as confused about whether or not to give a gift, thus providing an opportunity for everyone to contribute to one office-wide present. This helps relieve the pressure of finding a gift thats "good enough" and no one in the office is left out for not giving a separate gift.
- And finally, whether you give a gift or not, a holiday card is always a nice gesture!
I hope this helps! Please let me know what you decide to do! And if anyone out there has other suggestions or disagrees with my thoughts, let me know too!
Yours,
Sassy Snowflake
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