By Jeff Westover
The tradition of gift giving goes all the way back to when Eve gave Adam an apple. Arguments surrounding that singular event aside, it is fairly safe to say that gift giving ultimately serves the giver. In the world of business where networking, making impressions and building relationships counts, this was never more true.
We have been brought up to think that it is better to give than to receive. We evidently believe that in a big way. According to figures released in a report from Deloitte & Touche and the National Retail Federation, consumers on the average will purchase 24 gifts during the 1999 holiday season to the tune of almost $900 on the average. Obviously, we are giving to more than just family and friends.
While figures do not exist that track what we spend on gifts in the workplace, gift giving for business has been a form of doing business for centuries. It is a tradition. It is a holiday ritual like many others. And it is fraught with risks unlike any other.
- Not So Fast -
In this age of political correctness, it may be prudent to check the rules about giving gifts on the job. Many companies have a gift giving policy. The US Postal Service, for example, cites strict regulation on their web site about gifts. The policy reads like a tax code.
In essence, gifts over $10 are forbidden unless the receiver of the gift makes less than the giver. (Do you exchange W-2's before drawing names?)
If the gift is intended for a boss, there is a laundry list of criteria it must meet. The $10 rule applies under every circumstance. A gift can be given only during specific gift giving periods. Furthermore, the law dictates that federal employees cannot receive more than $10 as the sum value of all gifts in a year. Who keeps track of this- the gift police? There cannot be a lot of merry days at the good old USPS.
Chances are that the postal service is not alone. The ethics of business being what they are these days, a prudent legal department will dictate complicated policies about gift giving with vendors or employees. Before exercising the inclination to blindly give and risk the embarrassment of being rejected or disciplined, a gift giver needs to be informed of what is acceptable.
- Not Just Any Gift Will Do -
The holiday movie classic A Christmas Story features a segment where the main character- a boy named Ralphie- receives a pink bunny suit from a distant relative that operates under the mistaken impression that he is three years old and a girl. His mortification is only complete when his mother makes him try it on. It makes the viewer wonder if Ralphie ever got over his offense. Unless he went to work for the post office, the stigma of the inappropriate gift likely never left him.
While the passing of poorly chosen gifts may be forgivable- or even funny- within the walls of the home, a gift that is inappropriate in the workplace can backfire on the giver in a big way. Good intentions tend to be lost when gifts like lingerie, hand tools, personal grooming affects or items with religious overtones are given. Likewise, gifts that obnoxiously display company logos can send the wrong message. Corporate merchandise that serves as a billboard adds an element of commercialism to the holidays that is far from appreciated.
Careful consideration must be given to gifts in the workplace. The relationship with the receiver of the gift needs to be reflected in an appropriate way in the nature of the gift. What would an extravagant gift to the boss do to relationships with co-workers? How would giving gifts to one co-worker but not another appear to the boss? The implications of these seemingly simple issues can speak volumes of your judgement and ability to exercise wisdom in making a decision.
Like most things related to the workplace, a little research and restraint is a good idea. Even if you know the receiver on a personal level, the giving of personal gifts is inappropriate in the workplace. Practical items that can be used on the job may not prove glamorous or exciting, but they convey the consistent message that professionalism is being maintained.
- How to Present a Gift -
The presentation of a business gift is almost as important as the gift itself. Always wrap a gift before giving it. Failure to do so implies carelessness in what would otherwise be a thoughtful act. Be mindful of who the gift is for and see to it that the wrap is appropriate for that person. Pink floral prints may look a bit out of place to the stiff-collared male executive.
Always include a gift card with hand written commentary and signatures. Make certain the gift is given at an appropriate time (never late!) and try to give it in person. Be careful that the nature of gift giving is not too public. If the event includes several individuals giving gifts to others, it may be appropriate to give a gift publicly. If not, keep gift giving in private. Public displays of singular gift giving on an individual basis serves neither the giver or receiver.
- When To Refuse A Gift -
Being put on the spot when someone gives an inappropriate gift is both an opportunity and a burden. It is an opportunity to demonstrate a willingness to keep in line with policy or the best practices of professionalism. The burden is in the display of how gracefully the exchange is handled.
At times it cannot be avoided. It may appear to be okay to accept a gift that straddles or barely crosses a line, especially if the gift is given in private. But the implication of perceptions that a bribe was accepted are simply too great to risk a career on it. To be perceived of as one that can be "bought" is poison in the workplace and can ruin a career.
Gift giving in the workplace is truly an art. To give gifts mindlessly is to risk damage to a career. But to master gifts that send appropriate signals- that convey wit and warmth- is to leave impressions that can only serve to improve relationships in the workplace.
-- Jeff Westover is an Internet Content Developer based in Salt Lake City.
He has 15 years of executive level experience in personnel and project
management. Jeff writes for
myjobsearch.com, publishers of the largest independent directory of online
career resources.
