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Accepting gifts at work, fun perk or morally reprehensible?
I recently blogged about my experiences with a certain client who insists on bringing me gifts (a coat and a handbag so far) as a thankyou for basically doing the job I'm paid to do. There is no specific policy regarding this where I work, but it's just not something I'm very comfortable with.
So what do you guys think? Is it completely inappropriate to accept gifts at work, and if so, how do you gracefully decline without appearing rude or ungrateful?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by RantsRaves&Randomocity on -
I think it's completely dependent on where you work. For instance, if you're a nanny and the little girl you watch gives you a macaroni necklace, well it'd be just plain rude not to accept. On the other hand if you're a doctor and pharmaceutical companies are giving you gifts...yikes! Not only is it unethical but most hospitals have a policy that states you cannot accept any gifts from pharma companies. At my dad's hospital he's not allowed to accept any gifts of any kind.
In your case, if it's not something you're comfortable with then don't worry about it whether or not it's ok to do; just politely say something along the lines of: I appreciate the the gift and the thought you put behind it but I'm just not comfortable accepting gifts (or say I have a no gift policy.)
Also, you can look at how your fellow co-workers handle the situation!
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Permalink Reply by Leane T on -
I think it's perfectly alright for anyone to receive gifts from clients. You probably have taken great care of your clients and they might have thought that they need to express their gratitude. I believe it is rude if you completely reject their gifts as they might have put a lot of thought in picking out your gifts. Of course, you have to play the "You don't have to do this" game to show some humility and good image. Anyway, if your clients think that you did a great job, then you deserve it.
My father has been working in a car company for more than 10 years in customer service and his clients gave him various gifts from keychains and giftcards to bird's nest and tickets.But if you still want to decline them, just say you have a no gift policy. Clients would usually understand the situation.
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Permalink Reply by Jex Mix on -
Yeah it really depends on your job. But you have to be careful that you don't offend the client if you don't accept the gift. If you are able to take the gift with out any work type problems, but uncomfortable keeping it donate it.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Cordts on -
Love the idea of donating the gift!
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Cordts on
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Coats and handbags are a bit much, but you have to be very careful. I don't know what field you work in, but I've had clients with very large egos. If I were to try to politely decline, it wouldn't go over well. Have you talked to your boss about it? Just tell him/her that it makes you uncomfortable, and maybe they can shed some light on how to handle the client.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on -
haha. I know it sounds totally creepy, but apparently he runs a business where he buys overstocked clothes and accessories and sells them cheaply in other countries, so he claims that the gifts are just extra stock.
I also really, really don't get the feeling that he's hoping to date/sleep with me but I do worry that he might expect me to bend the rules of my workplace for him at some point.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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I think in my situation having my supervisor talk to the person would sort of make it a bigger deal than it needs to be, but I'm definitely going to get her advice as well.
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Permalink Reply by Kanriah on -
I would let the client know that as much as I Love that I am appreciated, I'd rather not receive such extravagant gifts. That with how I was raised (since for me that's kinda what it comes down to) it just doesn't feel right for me to accept but I really appreciate the sentiment. Maybe say that I'd love and feel more comfortable with a simple thank your or maybe a card when they felt it appropriate.
That's how I'd handle it at least. I've found that when you're honest about things and make it about them helping you instead of them doing something wrong they're more accepting.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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I like this approach. The last thing I want to do is make the person feel bad about trying to do something nice for me.
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Permalink Reply by Kit Marsden on -
I don't think it's a problem... Yeah, that's the job you're getting paid to do, but if the customer feels particularly happy with your service, why shouldn't they give you something? Think of it as a "tip" - I don't suppose you ever get waiters or barmen wondering whether it's "appropriate" to receive tips from people, do you?
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Permalink Reply by Katie on -
My current and previous company both had very clear rules about accepting gifts--it's not acceptable, unethical, and possibly even illegal; if you are offered a gift, you must refuse it or return it--and I think this is, in most professions, frowned upon. Even if your company does not have a specific policy, I would bring this up with your direct supervisor or maybe even someone in your company's legal department, just to keep yourself--and your company--protected.
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