Holiday Office Etiquette by Rose Klein
Q: Every year the same member of our staff organizes the effort to get our boss a Christmas gift. This staff person is really liked by all and has no problem getting $5 from the 20 members of our office. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the gift this staff person has selected over the last couple of years has been rather lame. Plus, I’d rather get our boss something on my own. How can I make this happen without offending anyone? A: I can appreciate your position; however, it may look like you are “brown-nosing” if you give something separately. If the group gift choice is truly your issue, then why not thank the person who has done it for so long and offer to either handle it this year or assist him/her in the selection process. Go into the conversation with some gift ideas that you believe your boss would appreciate. That way you will feel better about the gift and still remain a team player. Q: As a manager, I feel uncomfortable receiving gifts from the people I supervise. I believe the gifts should go down the chain of command, not up. Am I wrong? A: I was brought up to believe that the act of giving is a gift in itself. I appreciate that you may feel uncomfortable knowing those who report to you spend money on you; however, let’s hope it is because they genuinely wish to do so and not because for some unknown reason they feel obligated. Be positive and appreciative. As awkward as it can be to receive and not have something to give in return, a sincere “thank you” is all most wish to hear.
December 2013
Q: We do a “Secret Santa” gift exchange at work and a spending limit is agreed upon. Do I have to adhere to that limit? A: Actually, yes, you do, or should. It’s not nice to spend more or less because the cap is set for a reason and that is to equalize the gift exchange. I would say that if you find a gift that would really please the person whose name you drew and it causes you to go over by only a couple of bucks, then I would risk it. Q: My boss is Jewish. As we give him a holiday group gift from the entire office staff, should we give it to him at our holiday party or on the first day of Hanukkah? A: It is kind of you to acknowledge his faith and remember “his” holiday; however, I would suggest you do what you think he would prefer. If there are other gifts exchanged at your holiday party, perhaps giving it to him then would be better as those who celebrate Christmas will be getting their gifts at that time and I’m betting your holiday party will not be on December 25th. You might consider wrapping his gift in Hanukkah paper and give him a Hanukkah card with his gift so he knows you are respecting his holiday.
READY. SET.
WORK. Over $46 billion worth of industrial expansion in Southwest Louisiana is planned for the next few years—the most growth our area has ever seen. As the umbrella organization for the local industries, Lake Area Industry Alliance is ready with resources, information and support for our member industries and our community. Southwest Louisiana is set to have the highest job growth in the state. To apply for industry jobs, go to www.laworks.net; it’s the central location for all industrial applications.
We’re ready to help SWLA get to work.
Q: Are email invitations appropriate for a casual office gathering?
www.laia.com
A: Yes, they are. Q: I can’t afford to participate in the office gift exchange this year. We usually draw names. How can I gracefully get out of this when everyone else is participating? A: Hopefully, this is not a mandatory process in your office so participating should not be obligatory. I would suggest you privately talk with the person who actually prepares the names for drawing and state that you prefer to not be included.
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
www.thriveswla.com
31