by Ashley Thompson

Created on: August 16, 2008

It is common knowledge that we spend the majority of our waking hours at work. Co-workers become as close as family and for a few, they become their only family. Gifting has become commonplace in the office world. We tend to look toward our partners as sisters, brothers, even mothers or fathers, so, its natural that we want to show our care just as we would our own family members.

There should be some standards to follow for office place gifting.

1. If sharing holiday gifts, be sure to include everyone. Leaving someone out can cause a multitude of problems.

2. It is polite to spend a similar amount of money on each co-worker. Don't show favoritism.

3. If you plan to gift someone on their birthday, be sure to remember everyone's birthday.

4. Return the favor by gifting to someone who has gifted to you in the past.

5. Be sure not to re-gift; as many people can recall exactly what gift they gave you at one time or another.

6. Don't overspend on outlandish gifts that the receiver could not afford on his/her own. This will eventually cause inferior feeling on their part when they are unable to do the same for you.

7. Try not to be cheap as well, a moderate amount on a simple gift will be most appreciated by the receiver.

8. Be sure to be sensitive to individual moral and religious beliefs, you don't want to buy a hard rock music CD for devout pentecostal.

9. Co-workers of the opposite sex should be mindful of gifts that may be perceived as sexual in nature.

10. It is safe to assume that the gifting of alcoholic beverages is unwise.

11. Unless specified as the rule, gag gifts should be avoided.

12. No matter how nice the gift, always wrap or bag the gift. Handing someone a gift in a grocery bag is inappropriate.

During the holidays, many offices have a party in which gifts are exchanged. There should be a predetermined maximum amount on gifts. If everyone abides, there should be no hurt feelings. Be sure to offer those employees who do not wish to participate an alternative or an opt out.

To insure that no one is left out, many offices hold a monthly birthday party for employees whose birthday falls in that month. Cake and ice cream with small tokens of appreciation tend to boost moral and increase the employee's self worth.

Gifting can be successful in the workplace if done with only good intentions. Simply to show caring, friendship, and genuine kindness makes gifting a wonderful method of bonding.

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