

- #OFFICE HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE HOW TO#
- #OFFICE HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE PRO#
- #OFFICE HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE PROFESSIONAL#
The most popular ones are the Secret Santa/Kris Kringle event, where each person is randomly assigned a coworker for whom to buy a gift or a white elephant/Yankee swap gift exchange, where you vie with your coworkers for the best gift of the bunch by either keeping a random gift box you choose or “stealing” one from someone else before you know what’s in yours.įor any company-organized event, always follow the rules, advises etiquette expert Lisa Grotts. SCENARIO 3: THE OFFICE ARRANGES A GIFT EXCHANGE FOR THE ENTIRE STAFFĬhances are good you’ve participated in an office gift exchange before. “ The idea is not to create additional stress for employees during a busy and potentially financially difficult time of year,” Smith says. Or, depending on your industry and your coworkers’ preferences, you may consider planning a group cooking class, post-work happy hour or team hike - and make it clear that participation is voluntary. For example, some companies will foot the bill for a holiday lunch or dinner. Within a small office, especially one in which people are close, a shared experience could be more meaningful than everyone exchanging tangible gifts.
#OFFICE HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE HOW TO#
Or, if there's no protocol in place, Smith suggests asking for volunteers to create a holiday committee and choose how to celebrate as a team. If you’re the one in charge, let your team know what the plan is in advance. The cues for how to handle the holidays at work come from the top down. SCENARIO 2: YOU WORK IN A SMALL OFFICE WHERE EVERYONE IS CLOSE “Thank them, open the gift, thank them again and then ask about their holiday plans.” She adds that you could also bring the person a treat from a nearby café in the future, or you can make a point to do something special for their birthday. “That exchange should be about their generosity,” Smith says. If you unexpectedly receive a gift from a coworker, be gracious and appreciative without expressing guilt for not having something for the person in return. “However, if you are planning to give only five of them gifts, arrange an after-hours event.”
#OFFICE HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE PROFESSIONAL#
“If you have a workgroup of eight people and give to all of them, then you may distribute gifts at work,” says human resources professional and etiquette consultant Jodi Smith.

But if you are giving gifts to some people, make sure that no one on your immediate team feels excluded. You're certainly not expected to give everyone a gift when you work at a big company.

SCENARIO 1: YOU’RE CLOSE WITH SOME PEOPLE BUT NOT OTHERS IN A BIG OFFICE Now you can stop stressing and start enjoying the festivities.
#OFFICE HOLIDAY GIFT EXCHANGE PRO#
If the complexities of office gift giving make you feel more bah humbug than merry and bright, these pro tips can help you navigate some common office holiday scenarios. Not only do you have to be mindful of your company’s guidelines, you also need to take your office culture and your relationships with colleagues into account. But while you may have an idea of what to get your friends and family, giving gifts to coworkers can be confusing. Educational Resources About Family & Workīuying gifts for all your favorite people is a natural way to spread holiday cheer.Educational Resources About Everyday Money.Educational Resources About Financial Planning.Disability Insurance Calculator Money Parachute icon.Disability Insurance For Doctors and Dentists.
