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Workplace culture and relationships are constantly changing, especially today with so many working professionals either in the office, at home, or in a hybrid model.
Now, with the holiday season already here, it can be even more difficult to know if you should get your coworkers a gift, and if so, what’s appropriate? Perhaps you’re even voluntold or peer pressured into playing a company-wide game of Secret Santa or White Elephant.
Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered! Our gift guide will help you determine the best gifts for coworkers and what’s appropriate to get your workplace BFF, a casual deskmate, or your direct reports if you’re at a managerial or executive level.
Dos and Don’ts of Gifting in the Workplace
Do: Strive for Inclusion
Whether you’re an employee or the CEO and employer, you should always aim for inclusion when it comes to gifting in the workplace. For instance, if you’re attending a gift exchange party, bring gifts that are non-holiday specific and are gender-neutral. Also, set a budget beforehand for the company or for individuals so no one feels unable to afford a gift or bad about price differences.
Do: Let’s Keep it Professional
Try to keep gifts professional. Even if you’re giving your work-spouse or best friend at work a gift, keep it classy. For example, don’t give something that’s too personal or expensive such as an luxury watch or jewlery. If you want to give a more private gift, do so outside of work.
Don’t: Gift Near an Annual or Quarterly Performance Review
Ideally, a manager, employer, or anyone with direct reports under them, shouldn’t give gifts near a performance review. This can make employees feel as if a bonus or raise would have been preferred. Additionally, as an employee, don’t gift to your hire-ups or manager. This could be interpreted as a suck-up type move.
Don’t: Overspend on Gifts
As mentioned earlier, make sure you’re not overspending on a gift. It’s quite awkward for everyone if you give a coworker something much more expensive than the others gifts. This often causes a stir and office chatter at the workplace event or after — which no one likes.
If you’re having trouble deciding on a gift for your BFF coworker or a casual colleague, check out this infographic and flowchart from Redbubble.
