7
Administrative Assistant's
UPDATE
Guidelines for holiday giving at the office
By Julie Blais Comeau
It's the most wonderful time of the
year! The holiday season is the perfect
time to show your gratitude.
Before you start spreading good
cheer, avoid jingling bells of gifts gone
wrong by following these guidelines.
1� Respect culture and policies�
Your company's and that of those
whom you are giving to. When in
doubt, find out. Inquire to your HR
representative or call theirs.
What amounts are accepted? What
gifts are forbidden? What must be
documented?
2� Consider all the messages
your gift conveys�
The gift, its wrapping and the note,
they all matter. Just like your business
card or what you wear, what you of
-
fer, how you offer it and how it looks,
should be in line with your role, your
brand, your values and those of your
employer.
3� Don't offer a gift to your boss�
In most work environments buying a
gift for the boss is a no-no.
Corporate gift giving usually goes
downwards. When offering upwards,
it could be perceived as a quest for
favours. Bottom line, your gift to the
boss is doing a good job and meeting
expectations, all year round.
If you insist, offer a group gift with
all team members or take the time
to write your gratitude and holiday
wishes in a card.
4� When singling out a helpful
colleague, offer discreetly�
Do so privately, away from the office,
during a lunch or coffee break.
5� When participating in organized
gift giving, follow all the rules�
Don't spend less or more than expect
-
ed. The Grinch and Richie Rich are
fictional characters. Their behaviours
have no place at the office.
Don't buy gag, personal or fragrant
items. Stay clear of alcohol. These
gifts could offend, embarrass or put
you and the receiver in an embarrass-
ing situation.
As you know, it's the thought that
counts, not the gift. Holiday gift giv-
ing at work is about recognizing the
people that make your work life easier
and more enjoyable. Most importantly
these tokens of appreciation have
exponential powers in demonstrating
your gratitude and contributing to
workplace harmony.
Happy holidays!
Julie Blais Comeau is Chief Etiquette
Officer at etiquettejulie.com, dedicated to
teaching the interpersonal skills necessary to
professional success: client service, business
etiquette, international protocol and cultural
intelligence. She is a professional speaker,
author and media collaborator. Align your
brand with your career vision. Book your free
First Impression Needs Analysis with Julie
julie@etiquettejulie.com and shine at work
in 2018.
The result of multiple people participating in the
creation and review of your workbook will often result in
the creation of a better workbook, which in turn creates
better engagement with the community of users you
publish it to.
Arnold Villeneuve
Arnold Villeneuve has over 25
years in the computer technology
and services industry working
with standalone and networked
microcomputers, minicomputers,
and mainframe systems.
He has been an author and
Instructor with Learning Tree
International since 1993, where
he has developed seven courses
for instructor-led, computer-
based training, and e-learning
initiatives.
Julie Blais Comeau
Learning Tree offers practical, real-world training in today's
most in-demand skills, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint,
project management, leadership and professional development.
Visit
www.LearningTree.ca for more information.
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