The holiday season is officially in full swing. While many refer to it as the season of giving, others simply label it as a time for stress.
While there are certainly many things to prepare for during the holidays, gift giving and receiving tend to top the list. Since this time of year doesn’t come to a halt outside the doors of your office, it’s likely many of the regular seasonal festivities will also take place at work.
Before you let seasonal gift-giving worries consume you, take a look at a few simple do’s and don’ts for holidays in the workplace:
Do
1. Check Company Policies
Before you get too excited about buying your co-workers presents, it might be in your best interest to familiarize yourself with your company’s policies on gift-giving. This will allow you to get a better idea of your employer’s guidelines for what may and may not be acceptable when giving presents. In most cases, it’s also smart to get input from your co-workers and managers about giving gifts at work — they might have their very own do’s and don’ts.
2. Be Thoughtful
Don’t worry about spending a fortune on gifts for co-workers. Focus on giving a present that shows you put a lot of thought into it. This means going the extra mile to learn what your co-worker would appreciate.
3. Think Philanthropically
Charitable gifts are always great around the holidays. Consider donating to a charity your co-worker or boss supports. Giving to a charity is also a great way to get your entire office involved in something a little more philanthropic during this time of year.
4. Seek Out An Office-Wide Gift Exchange
Ask around the office and see what typically goes on in relation to seasonal festivities. Gift exchanges are a great way to get the whole office in the holiday spirit, but they’re also a great way to delegate office gift-giving and relieve some stress. If your company doesn’t partake in a gift-exchange, consider putting something together — you might have just created an annual tradition.
Don’t
1. Go Overboard
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit. Keep your gifts simple by focusing on your budget, as well as offering gifts as a token of appreciation, rather than overwhelming the receiver. There’s no need to purchase expensive presents or buy your entire department a fruit basket.
2. Step On Toes
Shopping for co-workers can be dangerous. While you may not know everything about your desk-neighbor, focus on presents that won’t put you or your co-worker in an awkward situation. Stay away from items that might place emphasis on their hygiene, appearance, or even something that may clash culturally.
3. Give Mindlessly To Your Boss
Show caution when giving a gift to your boss. You never know how your gift could be interpreted by them or the people you work with. Not to mention, your company might frown upon giving a gift to your superiors. Stay out of hot water by asking around to learn more about office norms.
4. Forget Your Manners
Giving and receiving gifts means putting a strong — almost elementary — focus on manners. If your company doesn’t hold a gift exchange, it’s important you don’t show favoritism with your presents. Be sure to wait until you’re outside of the office to arrange a time to exchange gifts with the co-workers you’re closest with. It’s also standard to give thank you notes to those who have given you gifts.
How does your office handle gift-giving during the holidays?
