The Rules: Professional Gift Giving
Some people dread gift giving, but to some whether we realize it or not makes us feel good about ourselves and the person who has given it to us. It is important to be careful about what you give as a gift because it damages a relationship or help a relationship continue to grow. If an inappropriate gift is giving, it can symbolize an apology, pay back or a bribe. To avoid these errors in giving particular gifts, it is important to know the procedures of gift giving.
Make sure the gift you give is personalized and thoughtful. Think of the recipient as you’re buying the gift. Try not to give everyone the same thing. It is okay to surprise your colleagues or employees, everyone likes a surprise. Your gift should also reflect a special bond that you have with each employee or colleague. It is not necessary to get outrageous with your gift, stay within your budget. Lavish gifts can cause a misunderstanding. Gifts shouldn’t exceed $150, but normally are around $40-$50. However, how much you spend is at your discretion.
Why would you want to give a business gift? You should give a unique corporate gift to thank someone. They are normally given when someone has gone above and beyond. You should also give a gift to congratulate someone. If someone has relieved a promotion, raise you want to celebrate by purchasing the employee a gift. A gift can be given for encouragement as well. If someone is struggling with a personal goal, you can motivate them with a gift before or after their goal is accomplished. A gift can be given to cheer someone up. The employee maybe grieving or having an unpleasant day. Help someone by giving them a gift. Sometimes new employees struggle because they don’t have what they need to do their job. This gift can enhance the employee’s performance. If you know the employee is always losing their writing utensils, make fun out of the situation and purchase pens and pencils as a gift.
When giving a gift, it is important to know what is not appropriate. It is appropriate to give a gourmet gift basket to an employee, but do not gift a diamond necklace to the secretary in your department. Appropriate gifts should include: travel accessories, wine and liquor, flowers, gift baskets, food, promotional giveaways, coupons, gift certificates, or office gifts.
Some companies are developing gift-giving related policies. Sometimes gift giving in the work place is discouraged because it may cause commotion among employees. Some companies have decided to place limits on value of the gift an employee can receive or give to clients or colleagues. This policy is to omit bribes or limit them as much as possible.
Make sure that all employees know the gift giving policy and that they are aware of it. If a company that you are doing business with has a strict gift giving policy, refrain from offering gifts to avoid any notions of bribery. This is something to think about when you are traveling abroad. You want to research whatever country you are traveling to in order to avoid any misunderstandings. You don’t want to ruin the relationship.
You can enjoy giving gifts to your employees and colleagues. Make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations so that no of them are broken. Also consider your employee’s or colleague’s religion, you do not want to offend them. Aside from occasions given to give a gift, you can also consider holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. Think personal and thoughtful when purchasing your business gift.
Tags: unique corporate gift | unique corporate gift | business gift | business gift | office gifts | office gifts