Many of us are in the midst of holiday work parties which is one of the topics we discuss for TAPUniversity’s online Working with People course. Have fun at your holiday work parties, and enjoy your opportunity to socialize and celebrate with your co-workers! However, do remember to stay professional and don’t damage your reputation. People have certainly been fired for unacceptable behavior during their holiday party. Avoid coarse language and avoid saying negative things about others in the organization. Make sure you only bring a guest if guests are invited. Also, don’t bring a guest that will cause you problems by their disrespectful or obnoxious behavior towards others. Holiday parties are a good opportunity to get to know your co-workers better. Do some networking, and perhaps you’ll even make a new friend from another department with whom you ordinarily would not work. However, remember not to share personal information about yourself that you prefer people at work not know. It can be easy to say something that you’ll regret in the more informal atmosphere of a party that you would be unlikely to say during a typical workday. In summary, have fun during your holiday work parties, but do so in a professional way that does not offend your fellow party-goers!
December 18, 2009
Holiday Work Parties
Tags: Holiday, Work Parties, Working With People
December 17, 2009
Holiday Gifts at Work
Tags: Gifts, Holiday, Working With People
It’s the time of year where a flurry of presents is exchanged in the midst of colorful bows, wrapping paper and gift bags. How should you handle giving gifts at your workplace? This is one of the topics we discuss for TAPUniversity’s online Working with People course.
First of all, know your company’s policies on gifts. For example, there may be a rule stating that you aren’t allowed to accept a gift from a client that is worth more than a certain dollar amount. Secondly, know your company’s culture concerning gifts. Ask your co-workers what is typically done concerning gifts during the holidays and what people are planning to do this year. This is especially important if you are a new employee. It is safest to go along with the group so you don’t appear as either a Scrooge or as trying to curry favor with others. If people will be drawing names for a gift exchange, go ahead and buy a gift for the exchange. If no one will be exchanging gifts, there is no need to add your co-workers to your shopping list. Gifts for one’s boss can be a delicate situation. If people will be buying a gift for their boss, it’s best to make it a group gift to which everyone contributes.
Lastly, when buying gifts for people at work, it is important to select the appropriate gift. Decide what is appropriate to spend—too cheap of a gift may be offensive and too expensive of a gift may be embarrassing for the recipient. What is appropriate to spend will depend on the particular situation, such as the profession and organization. Again, ask around for examples of typical gifts in your organization. Gifts should not be too personal. Also, avoid gifts that you may think are humorous but others could find offensive. It’s the thought behind the gift (as perceived by the recipient) that counts. If you’re able to take the other person’s interests into account, it’s ideal and shows thoughtfulness. For example, if you know a co-worker’s favorite restaurant, a gift certificate to that restaurant makes a nice gift.
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