[font=Arial, sans-serif]Dear Joan:
I’m a relatively new (nine months) employee with a medium-sized marketing company. This is my second job out of college and I’m still learning my way in business. Perhaps this is a naïve question but I was wondering what you could tell me about appropriate gift giving and other related things to know about the holidays. [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]I have asked around and it seems that people just end up buying things for their closest friends and colleagues at work. Although that seems fine, it causes me some problems because I have a limited budget and I’m not sure where to draw the line. For instance, should I get something for each of my co-workers? My boss? Should I bring my boyfriend to the holiday party? What is the conventional wisdom around the holidays? [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]Any advice? [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]Answer:[/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]
It is the right time to be asking this question, rather than waiting until the last minute. In fact, why not ask your manager to give you some guidance on the subject. I recommend that every work group put the topic of gift giving on their agenda for a staff meeting the week after Thanksgiving. If nothing is said, people wonder what to do. It can save embarrassment or hurt feelings. [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]Here are some things to discuss with the team:

Gift giving: [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]In a large department, you might want to draw names, so people aren’t burdened with buying gifts for everyone. It also removes the politics of who receives a gift and who doesn’t. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Instead of giving gifts, group might prefer to bring a dish from home and do a potluck lunch. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Some groups do an ornament exchange or a cookie exchange, in lieu of gifts. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Another idea is to go out to lunch and celebrate the season. Sometimes this is the manager’s treat. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Some organizations opt to sponsor a charity event, such as donating toys to a children’s group. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]It’s important to take into account the cultural and religious differences of the team. For example, if someone chooses not to participate in gift exchanges or any other part of the festivities, it should be acceptable to do so. [/font]
[font=Arial, sans-serif]Parties: [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Companies are getting nervous about parties where alcohol is served, in light of some recent rulings about liability. For this reason, some companies are hosting alcohol free events during the workday. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Another way to have a party and still be careful include, holding evening parties with earlier start and end times, arranged transportation, or plenty of food and other activities besides drinking. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Often holiday parties are one of the few times a spouse or significant other can meet and mingle with the people they’ve been hearing about. It’s a great opportunity to introduce them to an important part of your life. It never hurts, however, to brief them on the political realities of what not to say. After all, for you this is still work, not just a random social event. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Instead of a party, some organizations invite employees and their spouses to sporting events or other community outings. [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]Relaxed Atmosphere: [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Some organizations get more lax about work hours during the holidays. Although this is a great perk for those who need more time to do personal errands or spend time with their families, it can be a burden for others. If you allow some employees to bend the rules a little during the holidays, make sure the others get the same opportunity when they need it. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Some people get more lax during the holidays. People chat in the halls, linger at lunch, run errands on their lunch hour. Holiday music is in the air and people are off task. Although a smart employer allows a certain amount of holiday spirit, we all need to remember that the customer still needs to get great service and the business needs must be met. In other words, make sure phones are answered, background noise doesn’t interfere and the basics of business still get done. [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]Other activities: [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Some groups participate in holiday events, such as doing something together for a charity, or singing Christmas carols at a nursing home. [/font]
[font=Wingdings]§[font=Times New Roman]  [/font][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]Another idea is to host a party for children of employees or underprivileged children. [/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]No matter what your religion or tradition, it’s a great time of the year to express appreciation and collegiality with your co-workers.[/font]
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[font=Arial, sans-serif]Joan Lloyd [/font][font=Arial, sans-serif]is a Milwaukee-based executive coach, organizational & leadership development strategist.  She has a proven track record spanning more than 20 years, and is known for her ability to help leaders and their teams achieve measurable, lasting improvements.  Email your question to Joan at info@joanlloyd.com and visit www.JoanLloyd.com to search an archive of more than 1500 of Joan’s articles. Contact Joan Lloyd & Associates (414) 354-9500. ©Joan Lloyd & Associates, Inc.[/font]