Is Workplace Gifting Good for Business?

It's February, which means love is in the air -- and I’ve got Japan on the brain. Why? Because each Valentine’s Day accounts for a whopping $400 million in Japanese chocolate sales -- and most of the sweet stuff is given out at the office.

Unlike Valentine’s Day in the U.S., in Japan it’s women who do the bulk of the gifting. While chocolate can be given to a romantic partner as honmei choco (“favorite chocolate”) it’s typically offered as giri choco ("obligation chocolate"). Here’s how it works: On February 14, Japanese women give chocolates to their male colleagues. Exactly one month later, on March 14, their coworkers are expected to reciprocate with a small gift item. In recent years, however, many Japanese women have begun keeping the sweets for themselves as jibun choco, or “me chocolate.”  

The  idea of dedicating a major holiday to workplace gift-giving is pretty intriguing. In the U.S., office gifting is typically reserved for year-end bonuses tied to performance. While certainly appreciated, performance-based gifts don’t pack the emotional punch of a little pick-me-up gesture that says, “Thanks for your help,” “I value your input” or, more simply, “I appreciate you.”

Reserving a specific date on the calendar for such exchanges might ensure these small gestures are doled out evenly and fairly (and predictably!).

If this kind of obligatory gifting stresses you out, just think how often you offer up an effortless, "Hi, how are you?" and expect (and get) an automatic, "I'm fine, how are you?" in return. This simple conversational convention instantly generates good feeling and greases the wheels of empathy, connection and communication. If we can boost it further by exchanging simple treats, what’s not to love?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Before you go...

What's your take on scheduled workplace gift-giving? Should we make a day of it?