Whether for your boss, your employees or your customers, giving a gift during the holidays is a gesture that can strengthen bonds and demonstrate appreciation. But be careful, there are missteps to avoid so as not to spoil the intention.
If giving a gift is an impulse from the heart in personal life, in a professional context, the gesture requires a little more thought and tact. This is not to be taken lightly since the gift should not look like a request for a favor if given to your boss or favoritism if given to an employee.
Here are the golden rules to avoid having the opposite effect of a gift: creating discomfort instead of giving pleasure.
To the employer
Julie Blais-Comeau, etiquette specialist, speaks of a “tightrope walk” when it comes to giving a gift to your boss. “The golden rule, in this case, is not to give any!” », she exclaims.
She recommends giving a greeting card instead. “I find that giving an individual gift to your boss can often seem like an attempt to curry favor or gain advantages for yourself,” she explains.
The only exception: offering a group gift, with a predetermined amount paid by all employees or according to each person’s budget. “It is better to check what the workplace policies are regarding gifts,” recalls Marianne Camirand, consultant in modern etiquette. We want to avoid any misunderstanding. »
She points out that giving a gift to your boss is more appropriate during special events such as retirements or birthdays. One thing is certain, if in doubt, we abstain.
To the employees
The first principle, when you want to offer your employees a holiday gift, is to be fair and equitable. Otherwise the distribution risks creating more bickering and questions than joy. “I suggest standardizing the distribution by offering the same gift to everyone,” says M.me Blais-Comeau. You can add a personal touch with variations of colors or themes, for example. »
Erika Roy, etiquette consultant, is of the same opinion: she recommends an impersonal gift of equal value, with a clear limit on the amount allocated.
If the boss decides to give gifts to only certain people, then he must make sure that this is done in private and that it will not hurt anyone.
Erika Roy, etiquette consultant
The organization of a party office is preferable to giving gifts, according to Mme Camirand. “A collective celebration strengthens the feeling of belonging,” she notes.
To customers
“Giving a gift to your clients is part of good professional etiquette,” comments Mme Roy. According to her, this type of exchange demonstrates that the relationship is important and helps establish a relationship “with respect and gratitude”.
Once again, validation is important: do the policies of the company receiving a gift allow said gift to be accepted? “We wouldn’t want to create an embarrassing situation,” says Marianne Camirand, consultant in modern etiquette.
According to Julie Blais-Comeau, the choice of gift must reflect the personality and values of the company, while being of quality. “We want it to be positive and brighten the customer’s day,” says the etiquette specialist. It must be done with style, intention and respect. »
Giving a very personal gift would be a mistake, says etiquette consultant Erika Roy. “I advise avoiding gifts such as perfumes, clothing or decorative objects. »
Obviously, a durable gift, presented with care, is ideal. In case of a restricted budget, the hand-written greeting card is a safe bet, concludes Mme Roy.