When we are at work there are certain etiquettes or rules we are all expected to follow- time tracker, dress code, taboo topics & so on so forth. Did you know there are 7 gifts to really make your coworkers angry? There are.
One of the things that has got many colleagues of mine (ex colleagues for obvious reasons) have been getting inappropriate gifts. Now the gifts by themselves weren’t inappropriate but the place or the perception of these gifts was unsavory. So, the question is are there gifts that we should avoid giving to our female owned business clients, colleagues vendors and employees?
The short answer is yes.
Today’s Diverse World
In the highly diverse world that we live & work today, even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. So, let me show you how to avoid inappropriate gifts for your colleagues.
Although there aren’t any hard and fast rules about gift-giving, a wrong gift can convey the wrong message. What is the wrong message? Any gift, present or gesture that could be considered unwanted affection, a quid pro quo arrangement or a gift that is personally or culturally inappropriate.
No Quid Pro Quo
Let’s take the quid pro quo gesture first because it highlights the fact that the spirit of Gifts For Women at Work is that gifts are signs of appreciation of hard work, loyalty and a job well done.
In any gift-giving situation, the gift is only really a gift if it is clear why it is being given and the receiver understands it is for their benefit – that nothing is wanted or expected in return.
Failure to do so could also make the recipient feel obligated to do a return gift. If they can’t, then they might be embarrassed. Make sure you make the reasons for the gift clear and the rest should take care of itself.
Try to Reward the Team
Quite simply, you might exclude someone at your place of work by not getting them a gift while getting gifts for others. How would you feel if you saw your colleague get a gift from the boss and you weren’t sure what it was for?
Gifts For Women At Work: Our Mission
If you’ve ever been these situations, then you are at right place as at Gifts For women at work we want to show the value of appreciation.
We want gifts in all forms to promote communication and co-operation at work.
So, to avoid unintentional mistakes while gifting read on. But…
What Are ‘Gifts’?
For example ‘Under the ethics regulation, a gift is anything that has monetary value which you obtain for less than “market value.”
The gift might be tangible or intangible.
For instance a gift may include, but is not limited to, a gratuity, favor, discount, cash, gift certificate, gift card, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other item having monetary value.
It also applies to services, training, transportation, travel, lodging, and meals.
7 Gifts to Make Your Coworkers Angry
1. Avoid Political Gifts For Co-workers
In the super charged political times that we live in it’ll be inappropriate to get your colleague a political gift even if you knew their political leanings.
Likewise, its totally inappropriate if you didn’t know their political inklings.
Just imagine getting a Pro Trump co-worker a Biden Tee-shirt.
2. Keep away from Religious Gifts
In the Middle East where I worked as an educator for almost 15 years it was a very clear-cut decision as I am Christian & my Dean was a Muslim. But in the USA its not that easy to know if someone is religious or not. So, in my opinion one should just avoid religious gifts.
In the same vein getting the Book of Mormon for a Catholic Manager is what could get you in trouble.
3. Steer Clear of Grooming Products For Colleagues
The fancy Fragrance that you got a good deal-buy one gets 1 free might not be the most appropriate gift for a co-worker. They might think take it personally & think they smell bad!
Or they might be allergic to some smell. So, best to avoid almost all grooming or personal hygiene products.
4. Avoid Gifting Clothing to Coworkers
I remember someone getting a sweater & getting offended because it was XXL & it implied that they were obese.
Another time a colleague got a shirt & its sleeves were too short.
Best to avoid clothing at place of work. Intimate clothing would be a total NO.
5. Don’t Get Jewelry For Coworkers
This is for the guys out there who want to impress their female co-workers & want to get cute necklace or an expensive bracelet. Please don’t.
I personally know someone who got fired because first time he got it for the Boss she didn’t mind but when he got it for the co worker she complained.
Jewelry conveys the wrong message whether it was your intention to be romantic or not.
So, keep jewelry gifts for family.
6. Don’t Even Think about Gifting ‘Money’
In the Western World it would be considered inappropriate. Firstly, most companies have rules about how much cash is appropriate (not more than $20).
Money as a gift to a superior could be considered a bribe & co-worker might be offended to get $20 unless it’s a pooled event (topic for another blog).
7. Adult Gifts are Total Taboo
You should never ever give gifts that are considered adult gift items however friendly you are with your co-worker.
Items that are considered sexual in nature such adult toys, pornography or any image that depicts nudity is totally inappropriate at work.
Conclusion
To conclude, here you have my 7 Gifts to Make Your Coworkers Angry. Following this advice could save you a lot of trouble at work in fact it might even help you in your career. At another place I have talked about gifts to avoid on Valentine’s Day.
Please share your thoughts below so we can make our work environment more inclusive and loving that promotes growth and success.
Have you ever yourself or someone you know received a gift that you thought wasn’t appropriate?
What did you do?
Do Subscribe and buy a few gifts from our shop.
Leave a Reply