The Gift Giving Etiquette for a Boss
Gift giving is generally an enjoyable experience for both the giver and the receiver. However, in some instances gift giving can become stressful, especially in cases where gift etiquette is important. One such case involves purchasing gifts for a boss or supervisor. These experiences are greatly simplified with a few simple courtesies.
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Significance
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It is not difficult to understand why etiquette is imperative for gift giving in the office. In some cases, coworkers can misconstrue giving a boss a gift as an attempt to gain favor. Some companies have specific "no gift" policies. This information is generally contained in a company handbook, or you can inquire with human resources.
Function
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Gifts for the boss can serve several purposes for employees. Gifts may be given to mark special occasions, to show gratitude or simply because the occasion calls for it. The reason that the present is being offered should be considered. For instance, a boss's day gift may be something small and impersonal to simply acknowledge the day. A gift of thanks could include a more personal touch to convey appreciation for something specific.
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Value
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Due to the careful social pecking order at many companies, gifts for bosses should stay within a reasonable price range. According to Amy Keyishian, in Ladies Home Journal, a good approach to office gifts is to spend the same or less than the Internal Revenue Service allows for a professional gift tax deduction. This deduction is $25. This allows for a reasonable spending allowance, but also provides an extra incentive for the gift giver.
Considerations
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People should take several factors into account when deciding to purchase their boss a gift. If it is not customary to exchange inter-office gifts, including those from employees to supervisors, then the best plan of action is to follow suit and not buy anything. According to Marjorie Brody, author of "Professional Impressions: Etiquette for Everyone, Everyday," holiday cards are totally adequate for bosses. She adds that even in situations where the boss has given an employee a gift, that employee need only give a "thank you" note in return.
Warning
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A gift is a poor reason for a person to end up in bad favor with their boss. Therefore, it's important to remember that choosing to not get a boss a gift is a better option that buying them bad gift. A bad gift is not necessarily a gift that a boss does not like. A bad gift is one that offends them or crosses workplace lines. Gifts that should usually be avoided include alcohol, intimate or sexual gifts or anything that pokes fun at sensitive topics like religion or ethnicity. Mary Ellen Slayter, columnist for WashingtonPost.com, also advises against purchasing knickknacks as gifts because they merely add more clutter to already cluttered desks.
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References
- Photo Credit girl with bottle of alcohol image by Doctor Kan from Fotolia.com
