In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ HeadSTart newsletter.

Q: Is it appropriate to give gifts to my boss?

A: In professional etiquette, a worker needs to consider the occasion, workplace culture and potential implications when deciding whether to gift his boss something, says Dr David Leong, managing director of PeopleWorldwide Consulting.

Generally, gifts are appropriate for special occasions like significant personal events, such as a wedding or the birth of a child, or upon the boss’ retirement.

Employees should also note whether there is an established culture of gift exchanges for festive occasions, such as Christmas, at their current workplace.

“These particular occasions create a more neutral setting for gift-giving, effectively separating the gesture from any perception of attempting to curry favour,” Dr Leong says.

Ms Betul Genc, head of Asean at recruitment firm Adecco, says of Christmas gifting: “Ultimately, subordinates would wish to show their appreciation to their boss, for their guidance and support in the past year.”

Gifting a souvenir upon your return from a recent holiday could be another suitable occasion, according to Ms Jasmine Liew, founder of Breakthrough Catalyst, an organisational development consultancy. 

Dr Leong notes that many companies have explicit policies or codes of conduct regarding workplace gifting to avoid conflicts of interest or perceptions of impropriety.

In the absence of such policies, employees should consider factors such as the cost of the gift, industry norms and the company’s cultural attitudes towards gifting, he advises.

However, Ms Genc notes that organisations’ rules on receiving gifts and benefits usually cover only external parties such as vendors.

She adds: “Should there be no procedure surrounding internal parties, a useful rule of thumb is to ensure that the gift should not be overly extravagant, and must be seen as an appropriate gift in a workplace setting.

“It is also vital to include other team members in the same unit when it comes to gifting.”

Dr Leong says personal items that overstep the workplace relationship, such as personal grooming items or skincare products, or expensive items like jewellery, likely make inappropriate gifts.

Ms Liew suggests that employees add a personal touch by expressing their gratitude or affirmation either verbally, or through an accompanying note.

Dr Leong also advises employees who are alone in their decision to gift their boss something to carefully consider how it might be perceived by their colleagues.

“In scenarios where one team member opts to present a gift while others do not, it risks establishing an unintended standard or fostering an awkward atmosphere among colleagues,” he says.

He adds that this situation does not just affect team dynamics but also places the boss in a potentially compromising position should the gift be accepted. “Without a justified reason for the gift, the overall team harmony could be adversely affected, highlighting the importance of considering the broader impact of individual actions within a workplace setting.”

Dr Leong also says that if a superior declines a gift, employees should respond gracefully, understanding that the refusal is likely in adherence to company policy or personal principles. “A simple acknowledgment of the boss’ decision, without displaying overt disappointment, maintains professionalism,” he adds.

Ms Liew suggests that recipients could also share consumable gifts, like food, with the rest of the team, if they do not feel comfortable accepting the gift for whatever reason.

Bosses should strive to decline gifts without embarrassing or disappointing workers, both Ms Liew and Dr Leong say.

Dr Leong adds: “A clear, consistent approach, perhaps mentioning company policy or a personal rule against accepting gifts, can help.”

Ms Genc says: “As long as the gift was being given openly with the knowledge of other team members, and it is a modest and appropriate gift, there should not be any conflicting issues arising from this.”

Have a question? Send it to askst@sph.com.sg