‘It’s the season of giving – but should your holiday shopping list include your boss or co-workers?
Giving gifts at work can be complicated. As the year-end holiday season approaches, you can stress about which co-workers should get presents, how much to spend, what to buy, or whether you should give them a gift.
Burgette White, vice president of human resources at Adecco North America, a human resources company, says CNBC makes it. “It’s not an expensive or anxiety-provoking endeavor,” she says.
But timing is everything with gift giving at work, White adds. Giving your manager a lavish, expensive gift right before your annual performance review, for example, could be seen as bribery — and “you don’t want to make it difficult for your boss.” trial,” White added.
According to HR executives, here are three rules you should follow when giving gifts at work:
Don’t break the bank
White recommends spending no more than $30 on a gift for your manager or colleague.
“Everyone has different levels of financial comfort, and you want to respect that, especially in times of possible inflation and recession,” she explains.
According to a report from a recruitment company, HR managers recommend that employees spend about $20 on gifts for bosses or co-workers. Robert Half — spending more than that can look like you’re trying to bribe them with a luxury item.
Be considerate
André Heinz, director of human resources and culture at Celonis, a software development company, says: While gift giving should be work-appropriate, it should also be personal.
“Giving gifts is a really effective way to create a sense of belonging, friendship and joy, especially around the holidays,” he says.
At a recent holiday dinner with colleagues, Heinz left a handwritten card on each person’s plate with specific praise for their work and why he rated it. tall them.
If heartfelt greeting cards aren’t your style, consider giving your boss or co-workers baked goods, gift cards to their favorite coffee shop, or donating to charity in your name. surname.
Avoid gifts that may have sexual, political or religious undertones, Heinz adds. The same rule applies to alcohol and gag gifts, which may cross personnel boundaries or cause discomfort to others.
Take your cues from peers
Finally, don’t feel pressured to give anyone a gift at work, says White. It’s a corporate tradition that some people embrace, but it’s certainly not a must.
If you’re undecided or a new employee, ask your co-workers what everyone at the company has been up to in previous years. It’s important to note that more and more companies are moving from giving personal gifts to exchanging White Elephants or Secret Santa Claus, which can be “lower bets and more fun,” says White.
Or, skip the gift-giving habit altogether. “You can express gratitude to your co-workers and celebrate the holidays without presents,” says White.
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