Featured eBooks
In federal offices, no gift boxes for bosses
A general rule of thumb for federal workers is to avoid giving gifts to people at work that make more money than you. Federal employees should also keep in mind that the federal government allows , as long as it does not interfere with job duties or infringe on other employees. So employees who want to put a menorah or a nativity scene on their desk can do so as long as it doesn't keep coworkers from performing their jobs.
Federal employees can spread holiday cheer among their peers in the workplace, but federal ethics rules prohibit employees from giving gifts to their supervisors. According to the Office of Government Ethics, managers can give presents to their employees, but the reverse is taboo. The gift-giving rules are limited in this way to prevent employees from feeling that their job hinges on whether they give the boss a gift. Nonetheless, there are a few instances in which employees can extend their generosity to a supervisor:
- Gifts other than cash that are valued at no more than $10
- Food and refreshments shared in the office among employees
- Personal hospitality in the employee's home that is the same as that customarily provided to personal friends
- Gifts given in connection with the receipt of personal hospitality that is customary to the occasion
NEXT STORY: Clinton, Hill leaders close to budget deal