Accepting gifts at work, fun perk or morally reprehensible?

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Permalink Reply by Jeramy Micah Pappas on January 17, 2011 at 4:21pm

I'm in the news business. No gifts allowed.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on January 17, 2011 at 7:23pm

I used to be a newspaper reporter and there's no way I would have accepted a gift then. That's a pretty cut and dried situation.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Finley on January 17, 2011 at 9:10pm

It is okay to accept gifts under two conditions 1) the gift is of nominal value (insignificant--ie less than about $15) 2) there is no way for you to decline the offering without upsetting the client (if it is something handmade that they CLEARLY put a lot of effort into you are completely within your means to accept the gift at risk of hurting their feelings; otherwise you should at least try to decline nice gifts)

I work for an organization with a very strict policy, so these are some good guidelines. Good luck!!!

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Permalink Reply by Gina on January 18, 2011 at 1:54pm

I worked at a bank, so the policies were very, very strict, and the limit was $100. People tend to be pretty gushy when you handle their money well, so maybe that's why the limit was high, but accepting tickets to a sporting event, or a dinner out or a bottle of wine is pretty "nominal" in the business world, and all would be well over the $15 limit.

 

I also agree with the handmade sentiment: that shouldn't count. You'll make old ladies and puppies cry if you turn down handmade gifts.

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Permalink Reply by Gina on January 18, 2011 at 1:52pm

I would tend to agree with what everybody else has been saying, that it completely depends on your job/field. I would like to add that even if there isn't a specific "no gifts allowed" policy, you might check with your supervisor and see if gifts are "frowned upon." While it couldn't get you fired, it could put you on your superiors' s*** list, so knowing the status quo is a good idea.

I like the idea of donating the gifts, but if you feel entirely uncomfortable accepting them, then you ought to find a way to say "I love helping you with your products/accounts/needs/whatever because it's what I enjoy doing. I love the simple gratification I get from helping my clients succeed. I don't need gifts, I will always put in 100% on your behalf, and the gifts are making me feel like our business relationship is based solely on something monetary. If you don't mind, I would prefer that you refrain from gift giving, at least unless there is a non-work related purpose to the gift (i.e birthday or Christmas)."

Although I think it's safe to say that it's not morally reprehensible :)

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on January 18, 2011 at 8:21pm

Thanks Gina. That might be the perfect way to frame it. I really don't want to offend the person but I'm definitely not feeling completely comfortable with the situation.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Finley on January 18, 2011 at 10:12pm

Gina, you're so wise =)

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