Holiday Office Etiquette
December 16, 2015
By Brian Maynor
When it comes to mixing work with food and gifts there are some special rules you need to remember.
It’s been long established that sharing a meal together is a bonding ritual and in a recent study published by a team of researchers at Cornell University there is also proven performance correlations. The study looked at 13 firehouses and documented the connection between team performance and eating together. It will come as no surprise the results were about twice as high for teams that ate together than those that ate alone.
In this time of party focused office environments, you want to take part in festive activities, but keep in mind that it’s still work, so err on the side of professional decorum over a social one. There are also some pretty common-sense rules when it comes to exchanging gifts. A gift exchange is the most common practice, but it can also be the most challenging since you have a strict budget; want to give something that is creative, but also has to be universally appealing. Here are a few ideas to make your shopping trip a little less stressful and let you forgo the gift card approach:
1. Playful practicality. If you like giving gifts that can be useful, stick to options that also have a little whimsy. A jovial wall clock is both fun and practical. Other practical and fun options are designer water bottles and desk plants. Cacti seem to be the dominant choice since they are low maintenance and play into the whole ‘prickly’ paradigm.
2. Personal pampering. We all tend to neglect ourselves, especially during the busy holiday season, so you can’t go wrong with a gift that offers some much needed pampering. Sleep masks are great options that can be either luxurious, playful or a bit of both, as well as slippers. These gifts are unisex and items most people won’t pick up for themselves.
3. Quirky is good. Since jewelry can be a bit tricky in a mixed crowd, lapel pins; toboggans and scarves are safe options. While this isn’t the time to go racy or explicit, a little humor or social relevance can go a long way to making them the must-have gift. You also may want to remember key rings and bag charms.
Just like eating together builds camaraderie, sharing gifts with each other can do the same. It’s a great way for coworkers to let their hair down and enjoy a laugh while making memories and bonds that will last throughout the year. Just remember universal appeal is key, so opt for festive gifts as well as wrapping over religious ones to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
.
