Fostering inclusivity through clear gifting etiquette

As the holiday season approaches, I want to raise a question that needs to be addressed but is often overlooked in workplaces: the yearly onboarding of your diverse employees on gifting etiquette.

Why? Because this is a question that people frequently bring to our Cultural Curiosity Community.

To gift or not to gift? What to gift? Is this the right gift? Why should I gift? Why can’t I gift?

For employers, these questions might seem small or unimportant but let me tell you this: understanding gifting etiquette on a broader level (beyond a single paragraph in your policies that, let’s admit, not every your employee knows where to find) impacts your workplace dynamics and employee well-being.

Employees strive to clearly understand how to approach gifting in your company’s professional setting.

Why Gift Etiquette Matters for Newcomers

For those unfamiliar with Canadian workplace norms, navigating the nuances of gift etiquette can be daunting. Without clear guidance, they often feel overwhelmed, unsure whether gift-giving is expected or not, how much to spend, or what types of gifts are appropriate. Missteps in this area can lead to unnecessary stress, financial strain, or even feelings of exclusion.

Employers who proactively address gift etiquette can save their teams a great deal of energy and confusion. For newcomers especially, understanding these norms early on ensures they feel more comfortable participating in holiday traditions without fear of overstepping or offending.

The Cultural Context of Workplace Gifting

Gift-giving is not merely a transactional act; it is deeply rooted in cultural values and practices. A tradition dating back to ancient times, it holds significant cultural and social importance, shaping personal and business relationships worldwide. It serves as a means to express appreciation, strengthen bonds, and convey respect. The practice varies across cultures, influenced by factors such as religious beliefs, financial status, and social norms.

In business, understanding gifting etiquette is essential, as missteps can harm relationships. Thoughtful gifts that honor local customs demonstrate cultural awareness and help strengthen professional ties. Similarly, in personal contexts, gifts can commemorate milestones or express emotions, fostering deeper connections.

However, not all employees may intuitively understand these nuances, especially if they come from cultures where the significance and appropriateness of gifting differ from Canadian norms.

Cultural Insights to Consider:

  1. Power Dynamics: In some cultures, gifting a superior might signal respect and acknowledgment of authority, while in Canada, it could be perceived as inappropriate or even an attempt to curry favor. Without clear communication, employees may feel conflicted or fear they’re not respecting workplace power structures.
  2. Authenticity and Relationships: Employees who don’t understand workplace gifting norms might interpret a lack of gifting as a lack of authenticity or sincerity in their workplace relationships. Conversely, if gifting is poorly executed, it can feel performative and undermine trust.
  3. Inclusivity Challenges: In culturally diverse workplaces, assumptions about holiday traditions can unintentionally alienate employees who do not celebrate the same holidays or who approach gifting differently. Without clear guidelines, the risk of exclusion increases.

Employers play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps by providing clarity and fostering an environment where all employees feel respected and included.

A paragraph in the policy isn’t enough.

Often, it’s not just about what is written but about how it’s understood. Misinterpretations can lead to tension, stress, and misunderstandings, especially during the holiday season.

To address this challenge, consider creating space for meaningful conversations about the significance of gifting among your employees. These discussions—whether on an individual or team level—can reveal surprising insights and challenge assumptions, including your own.

Given the time-sensitive nature of the holiday season, a practical first step is to send an email to your team outlining your organization’s stance on gift-giving.

Here’s what to include to ensure clarity, inclusivity, and alignment with your workplace values:

1. Highlight Canadian Values

Begin by emphasizing key values that resonate across Canada:

  • Inclusivity: Acknowledge the cultural diversity within the workplace and emphasize that gifting practices should respect and consider everyone’s traditions.
  • Moderation: Encourage thoughtful, moderate gestures rather than extravagant or expensive gifts.
  • Sustainability: Suggest eco-friendly or locally sourced gifts to align with growing environmental consciousness.

2. Reinforce Organizational and Team Values

Tie gifting practices to your company’s mission and team culture. Highlight how these values align with the way your team engages in holiday traditions:

  • Be specific about how your organizational values—such as collaboration, respect, or community—are reflected in gifting.
  • Encourage employees to consider how these shared values can guide their choices.

3. Provide Clear Guidelines

Set expectations to help employees navigate workplace gifting:

  • Who can be gifted? Clarify whether gifting between colleagues, team leads, or managers is appropriate.
  • Who should not be gifted? Address why certain roles, like senior leadership, might be excluded to avoid conflicts of interest.
  • What types of gifts are appropriate? Provide examples of professional and thoughtful options, such as cards, small tokens, or charitable donations.
  • What’s the budget? Recommend a spending limit to promote equity and prevent financial strain.

Do you have a policy, by the way? Reach out if you need help writing one.

4. Offer Practical Tips

Help your employees feel confident and supported in their gifting decisions:

  • Suggest group gifting: Propose pooling resources for managers or team leads to reduce pressure on individuals while allowing for an opt-out option to ensure inclusivity.
  • Encourage eco-friendly or locally sourced gifts: Engage your team in identifying businesses or causes to support during the holiday season.
  • Highlight non-material gifts: Remind employees of the value of handwritten notes, shared experiences, or acts of kindness over material presents.

5. Lead by Example

Set the tone by modeling thoughtful and inclusive gifting practices yourself.

  • As a leader, consider symbolic gestures, like a heartfelt message of appreciation to your team or a charitable donation in the name of the company.
  • Ensure transparency by explaining why these actions align with your organization’s values, reinforcing the importance of meaningful and mindful gestures.

Gift-giving (or not giving) at work doesn’t have to be a source of stress or confusion.

It’s an opportunity to strengthen workplace connections and reflect on how traditions align with your company’s values. By actively listening, providing clear guidance, and fostering an inclusive culture, employers can ensure the holiday season is enjoyable for everyone.

Take this chance to evaluate your current practices and explore ways to better support your diverse team during the holidays.