5 Tips for Giving Gifts at Work and Keeping Everybody Happy
Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, job milestone or retirement, gift giving at work can be a tricky business.
For example, coworkers and employees may end up feeling slighted. The wrong gift can seem like a meaningless gesture. One employee spends more on gifts than others, which causes resentment and unhealthy competition. The list of what can go wrong with the seemingly generous act of giving gifts at work goes on and on.
What can you do to make sure your office experiences the joy of gift-giving without the bad feelings? Follow five these tips.
Involve the Group
If you’re a manager, you have the ability to control much of the way gifts are given in the workplace. For example, if someone is retiring and a gift is in order, involve everyone in the giving process.
Consider asking for anonymous donations and gift suggestions. Milestones like this one mean finding a truly special gift, as well. Come up with something thoughtful and lasting. For example, if the traditional gold-plated watch seems too old-fashioned, opt for a more modern keepsake such as The Eternity Rose. Other popular ideas include gift-of-the-month clubs, pre-paid trips, creative classes and charitable contributions. Understanding what’s important to the retiree will help you customize a gift that’s both memorable and meaningful.
Take Control of the Holiday Gift-Giving Atmosphere
If an office gift-giving policy sounds a bit harsh, think again. By outlining in-office gifting procedures, you can do much to head potential problems off before they start. A policy for holiday giving is particularly useful because you can limit the costs and the way gifts are handed out.
Some suggestions for fun giving during the holidays include a white elephant or grab bag gift exchange or Secret Santa. Anonymous gift-giving removes jealousies and perceived slights. It also makes sense to cap the price of gifts given to a reasonable level all employees can afford.
And, even though you risk sounding like a Scrooge, consider banning personal holiday gift-giving to outside the workplace.
Budget For and Plan Your Holiday Gift Giving
If you find yourself shopping for co-workers, make some decisions before you start shopping. Decide on an affordable budget and don’t waiver. You know every year one of your co-workers outspends everyone else and makes a big production out of it. You don’t have to. In fact, you shouldn’t. Stick to your budget.
One of the best ways to avoid overspending and remove the stress of last-minute shopping is to pick up gifts throughout the year. You’ll spend less and be better prepared when December arrives.
Pick and Choose Your Co-Worker Gifting
Co-workers often become friends and gift giving is a natural part of every friendship. But giving can also trip you up and turn what was once a peaceful working environment into a nightmare.
During the holidays, give work friends gifts outside of the work environment. If you can and office policy allows, give less-expensive gifts of equal value ( or to be safe, the same gift) to all co-workers. That way, no one feels left out.
Engage in Smart Giving for Special Occasions
Birthdays, weddings, new babies and other life events are certainly reasons to celebrate. Giving gifts for a colleague’s special event promotes camaraderie and team spirit. It can also cause resentment if you’re not careful. If gifts will be presented at an in-office celebration, make sure the value of your gift this time compares favorably to past gifts.
You can’t guarantee there’ll be no hard feelings when it comes to giving gifts at work. But with a bit of common sense and strong sense of fairness, workplace gift-giving can be a fun way to bond with coworkers and colleagues.