"Who Gets Co-Workers Gifts Anymore?" - 11/21/18 Edition
Stephen Says Column

 Dear Stephen:

 
 The holiday season is getting closer -- once Thanksgiving is over we are at Black Friday and then Christmas pops up quickly. My office used to do a Secret Santa thing but we all finally got bored with that so it’s over. My question is whether or not I should give a holiday gift to my boss, my assistant or even the receptionist in my office. We do not exchange gifts with each other at the holidays, but some support people I work with make my job easier, and the Christmas season seems like the logical time to thank them for their extra effort.
 
 Let me mention I am using the word “Christmas” because that is what I celebrate but I work for a big company in a large office in Atlanta, and we have people who celebrate Kwanzaa and Hanukkah and even a couple of people who don’t celebrate anything this time of year and could fill in for Ronald Reagan Jr. on the atheist commercial. Those folks tell me “Christmas is just another day” to a dog.
 
 Funny enough, but whatever the beliefs of the people in our office, they come together to celebrate the holiday spirit, and my company has a holiday party.
 
 Just so you know, I am a senior sales rep at a manufacturer, and I make a good income. And BTW, I have read your rules in this column about not boozing it up too much at the holiday shindig. One of my best friends got fired after getting really drunk at a business event, so lesson learned.

So, back to me and should I buy gifts, starting with for my boss who is a great guy. The there’s the sales assistant I share with others but get a lot out of. Some other people who work here as well may warrant a gift. What are people doing today when it comes to co-workers — subordinates in particular — and gifts? I am also concerned about what my colleagues might think if they do nothing for these same people, and I do something. They might think I am making them look bad. Tell me what to do!
 Signed,
 Gifted
 

 
 Dear Gifted:

 One thing is for sure, no one “warrants” a gift. In general, holiday gifts are not expected anymore in the workplace. The exception to this are co-workers you have become friends you socialize with outside of the office. Exchange gifts with them in a social setting off site. It is a nice time of year to show your appreciation to subordinates and co-workers who are extra helpful or what some people call “just doing their job.” I would not recommend giving a gift to your boss — it would put him or her in an awkward position.
 
 Here is my solution, and the name of where to buy this gift I suggest changes depending on where in the country you are: Starbucks, Peet’s, Dunkin’, Tim Hortons … you get the idea. A coffee card is always appreciated because it is simple, thoughtful and easy to use. Do not go out and buy a gift. The amount? That’s personal to you, but remember what they say about gift giving — it’s the thought that counts. One thing I can advise for sure, get everyone the same amount of money on the card. Do not deliberate about who does what for you and give to some more than others. And I’m not talking about the FedEx guy, but people you work with and see every day. They all talk to one another, and your name will be mentioned, so you want to get the exact same dollar amount for everyone. And, hey, it is coffee. So even $25 each can go a long way. If they do not drink coffee, they can get something to eat or a different type of beverage. One last thing to remember, if this is the route you decide to go, you might want to also gift certain factory and customer service people who are special to you.
 
 In any case, please be aware of any rules the company has about gifts to employees that directly report to you. And just ask your colleagues what they are doing if anything. You make a good point, do not alienate your peers because you gifted and made them look cheap. Yet, still do what is comfortable for you. Get a gift for your assistant even if your co-worker is not, if that is who you are. And be sure your name is in big letters on the card, people sometimes forget — it doesn’t count unless they know who it is from. Hope this helps, and happy holidays — unless you are that dog or Ronald Reagan Jr.!
 
 Stephen
 
 
 You can send your workplace questions to Stephen at: StephenSays@bellow.press
 
 Questions selected to be answered, will appear in this column. Please use the subject: Stephen Says for all emails. Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality, and CEO of The Viscusi Group, global executive recruiters located in New York. Follow Stephen on Twitter @stephenviscusi, Like Stephen on Facebook and follow him on LinkedIn.