The Ethics of Gift Giving at Work

The Ethics of Gift Giving at Work

Business experts warn to think through business gifts carefully. The right gift will be appreciated by your employees; the wrong gift could cause resentment among them.

Giving corporate gifts can be a touchy issue.
Some companies have restrictions on corporate gift giving. Restrictions on business gifts are not about the gifts themselves but about the expectation of payback. Though a gift is ideally a way to show you are being thoughtful, in the business world there is always a string attached. That's because if there were no business relationship, there would be no gift.
So follow these guidelines before buying:

1. Make sure employees can actually receive gifts. Some companies prohibit it.

2. If you are a government employee, realize that gifts are likely restricted because of the risk of favoritism in spending public money.

3. Find out past gift giving rules in your office. Is there a dollar limit set?

4. If there is a dollar limit, stick to it. Giving a pen to one employee and an elaborate food basket to another could cause resentment. Try to spend the same amount from year to year. If you spent $100 last year, a $20 gift this year might send the wrong message.

5. If you are elaborate in your gift, it might be better to give it outside of the office. A gift like this means your employee is considered more of a personal friend and you wouldn't give a friend a gift at your office.

6. Do not be tempted by gag gifts. They are usually considered taboo for the workplace.

7. As a rule, avoid homemade items. This could be viewed as being too personal.

10. Avoid gifts purchased at discount stores or dollar stores. You risk being viewed as being too cheap. But consider gifts that can be shared with the entire office, such as fruit or candy.

11. Be careful about sending alcohol, meat or nuts. Many people don't drink. Some are vegetarians. Some have food allergies, such as to peanuts.

12. Avoid giving gifts to former customers, experts recommend. It could be considered a bribe.

And remember: what you choose to give and how you present your gift will say a lot about the type of person you are. So represent yourself well!