The holiday season finds people making shopping lists that include gifts for all of the special people in their lives. Such lists also feature the people with whom individuals may spend the majority of their time each day: coworkers.
Gifting coworkers can strengthen professional relationships, build camaraderie and show appreciation while on the job. A well-chosen gift can leave a lasting impression, whether it’s given for a birthday, promotion or the holiday season. According to a 2019 survey from Office Depot, 70% of employees said their workplace had a holiday gift-giving tradition like Secret Santa or White Elephant. It is important to balance thoughtfulness with professional decorum when selecting gifts. These guidelines can help anyone navigate workplace giving.
Consider company culture
One of the first aspects of gift giving among coworkers is understanding the culture of the company. In some businesses, gift exchanges are commonplace and encouraged during team celebrations or the holiday season. In others, they may be rare or even frowned upon. It is always a good idea to check with human resources before choosing a gift, particularly for those who are new to the company.
Avoid personal gifts
When selecting gifts, consider thoughtful items that are not too personal. These can include desk organizers, coffee mugs, plants, notebooks, photo frames, or even gift cards to nearby restaurants.
Be mindful of food and beverages
When choosing to give a gift of food, be aware of any dietary restrictions and allergies the gift recipients may have. Also, while a gift of wine or another bottle of alcohol may seem fitting, one never knows if a person is abstaining from drinking, so it’s best to avoid such gifts in the workplace.
Consider personalized gifts for close colleagues
Giving personalized gifts to close coworkers can be a great way to show appreciation when one knows the recipient well enough. For example, if he or she can’t survive without coffee each morning, then a gift of an engraved insulated coffee tumbler can be perfect. If the coworker mentions being part of a book club, a specialized bookmark or gift card to a bookstore will be fitting.
Be careful with humor
When gifting a funny present, avoid anything that can be misinterpreted or considered offensive. It’s best to avoid any political humor. For those unsure about whether a gift might be taken the wrong way, skip that gift and choose another option.
Limit the cost
Some coworkers may be friends, but it is best to keep all gifts inexpensive and of the same value if the plan is to gift everyone in the department. According to the Office Depot survey, 27% of respondents felt meeting a spending limit is very important. The general range of gift prices at the workplace is between $20 and $30. One of the best ideas for company gifting is to see who might want to participate in a gift exchange, and then everyone brings a grab bag gift. Then there isn’t pressure on any one person, and gifts are distributed randomly.