If you receive a gift from a supplier, client or people with whom you usually work, it is best to make it clear that this detail does not change the conditions with which they have been working. Don’t compromise on a detail. It is common for a boss, supervisor or coordinator to receive several details at Christmas. However, you must be sure who is giving the gift, what intentions the person who gives it has and, above all, what kind of gift it is and what value it has.
The above questions must be taken into account when receiving a gift, because although many may have positive and disinterested intentions, offerings are also seen with tinges of bribery and influence.
Giovanna Cardinali, Organizational Development advisor, says that “if they are simple, low-cost gifts like chocolate, in my opinion, there would be no problem in receiving them as long as one does not feel discomfort or commitment.”
The gifts that the receives must not compromise the work or the rules of the company. Therefore, it is important that the person knows the code of ethics of the company for which he works and comply with the mandates that exist when a worker receives gifts.
Cardinali adds that if the present is of a very high economic value, it should not be accepted. It must be discussed with the direct leadership. It is good to count so that it does not lend itself to misunderstandings.
One way not to accept the gift is to say that by organizational policies it is not feasible that you can receive attention, but that you appreciate the gesture very much.
Before receiving the gift, you must set the limits immediately, so that later you are not misunderstood. “Always speak clearly and not leave things in between, because then that can play against it,” advises Cardinali, adding that it is not good to accept gifts between negotiations, because it can be seen as corruption or bribery.
María Camila González, general manager of Seguridad Selecta, complements by saying that in case the gift comes from a supplier it is necessary to verify what the guideline is within the internal work regulations of the company. “As a rule, suppliers send details, not ostentatious or very expensive gifts, or that violate the morale of the employee.”
“You should not receive those gifts that are related to drug trafficking, cash or transfers to the bank account,” says González.
You can literally receive details that do not compromise you on a professional or personal level. Agendas, pens, chocolates and fruits, for example, can be accepted. Bonuses for meals, clothing, or tickets for events and trips may also be received, although you should consult in advance with the immediate boss to determine that they do not affect the free development of the work, nor that they condition the employee. It is also possible for details to be raffled off among employees or given to prominent or needy people. Finally, if gifts of very high economic amounts arrive, it is essential that the Human Resources area or higher areas mediate. Otherwise, for a gift, you can end up in internal and even legal problems.
Codes of ethics
A company usually has in its code of ethics clear guidelines on the receipt of gifts. “The acceptance by an employee of business gifts offered by third parties is prohibited, unless they are gifts of ‘merchandising’ that suppliers or customers make occasionally,” says a real example. In addition, these codes of ethics usually determine the areas in charge and processes to comply with the internal rules of the company. Together, the destination of the gifts is defined, which can be their return or a raffle among all collaborators.