I feel that I dont really want to? My boss took the office out to dinner, nice restaurant. I and the rest of the coworkers all piched in money to get him a nice gift. Do I still get the other coworkers a gift though? They havent made any mention about getting me anything at all.
2006-12-16 14:23:47 · 17 answers · asked by Imyourfantasy4u 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
WATCH NOW EVERYONE THAT "MAN" CHARACTHER IS GOING TO SHOW UP. WATCH.
2006-12-16 14:24:24 · update #1
No, you don't have to get your co-workers anything.
As for man, he is also on the UK and Canada site. I thought I could get away from him there, but I wasn't that lucky. Did you know he's on Level 7? He's got over 27,000 points in 3 days.
2006-12-16 14:32:38 · answer #1 · answered by Mariposa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not necessary to give anyone a gift. And whether or not you'll be getting something back has nothing to do with the reason for giving.
When it’s done right, gift giving should be enjoyable to both parties even if no gift is returned. You already said you didn’t want to buy gifts for your fellow employees so how much joy would you experience by doing it? And how much thought will you put in to finding the perfect something for someone you don’t want to be shopping for in the first place? A person can usually tell when there was no thought to the gift selection. Can you say Billy Bass?
If you choose to exchange gifts with a few fellow employees who also happen to be friends the exchange should be a private one. Plan a holiday lunch or dinner with your group away from the office crowd, you can all buy someone else's meal (just divide the check as you normally would but pretend you're paying for anyone but yourself,) blow off some steam about the headache of the holidays, have some laughs and exchange presents. If you have to go back to the office, don't forget to stash your goodies out of sight of the rest of the office.
A few of the advantages to keeping your exchange private, you are able to make truly personal selections for your friends, you won't be accused of "brown nosing" because you gave something to an office superior and most importantly you won't hurt the feelings of anyone who is not on your list.
If you feel you have to do something, make or buy a tray of cookies, candies or some other treat and put them in your break room for all to enjoy.
2006-12-16 23:49:12 · answer #2 · answered by Lady E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting gifts for co-workers, not necessary but it's a nice touch towards a better working environment. What I do is to initate a 'gift exchange program'. A budget is set, everyone gets a practicial gift and wrapped it up. All gifts are collected and tagged with a number. On the day itself, with some light refreshments, a lucky draw is conducted and everyone walks away with something. It goes a long way to foster a better work environment.
2006-12-16 23:31:45 · answer #3 · answered by TK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want to, no. But if you just don't know what is expected you may want to ask. Some offices draw names, some people give small gifts to those they work closely with, while others don't exchange at all. If no one has asked you to draw a name or something you should not feel obligated to do any gift giving. If you wanted to you could bring a box of chocolates or cupcakes etc. to share among the group. It's an inexpensive way to say, I thought about you.
2006-12-16 22:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by strgoddss 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gift giving should never be done out of guilt or obligation but rather by choice. A gift is just that - a GIFT. One gives to another for the joy of giving, not because they expect or demand something in return. The joy of giving, sadly, has been watered down over the years.
Sheri Anne
2006-12-16 22:44:16 · answer #5 · answered by Sheri Anne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't feel OBLIGATED to give presents. For me, giving a gift out of a sense of obligation takes away from the spirit of giving. But, if you decide to give presents here is an idea. Several people that I work with got Christmas tree ornaments for everyone in the office. They are fairly inexpensive, yet almost everyone can use one. (My hobby is baking, so everyone will be getting cookies from me.)
2006-12-16 23:06:06 · answer #6 · answered by camarobabe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I both announce and follow this inflexible rule when it comes to gifts for co-workers. We don't participate and we don't expect to be remembered. We do sign the card if there is one going around. If you are like most people the cost of gifting every employee can cut sharply into the needs of your family which should always come first.
2006-12-16 22:39:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i personally think it can be a bad habit to get into. it can set a very dangerous precedent. i did make everyone in my office this year a tin of candy. but i was reluctant because i don't want anyone to feel obligated to get me anything and i certainly don't want to feel obligated to get everyone gifts next year and the year after, etc.! risky business. but my answer is no--i think it's generally a gross waste of money to buy gifts for your co-workers. but on the other hand, i think a small token of appreciation is a nice gesture and doesn't hurt a thing.
2006-12-16 22:59:01 · answer #8 · answered by Manders 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are close to certain co-workers then a gift card to a lovely restaurant is a nice gift. If not then at least give your co-workers a Christmas card.
2006-12-17 00:09:44 · answer #9 · answered by Lov'n IT! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think gift giving is something that comes from the heart not because a word (etiquette) defines it as "proper social behavior". So that said, i think unless you have a close knit group of coworkers and the understanding in the past has shown in favor of gift giving i think you are not obligated to it.
2006-12-16 22:43:25 · answer #10 · answered by angel f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋