It’s always bittersweet when a coworker leaves the company. On the one hand, you’re sad to see them go and will miss having them around. But on the other hand, you’re excited for them as they embark on a new journey.
Of course, you’ll want to give them a going away gift as a farewell gesture. But what’s the best way to go about doing this? What kind of Corporate Gifts Bulk are appropriate? Here’s everything you need to know about giving going away gifts for coworkers:
Why is it important to give a good going away gift
You might be wondering why it’s even important to give a going away gift in the first place. After all, your coworker is leaving of their own accord, and they’re not being forced out or anything.
But giving a going away gift is a way of showing appreciation for all the hard work and dedication they’ve put in over the years. It’s also a way of saying goodbye and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.
Plus, it’s just a nice thing to do! If you’re close with your coworker, giving them a going away gift is a great way to show them how much you’ll miss them.
Should you give a going away gift: Factors to consider
Relationship with the coworker
Your relationship with the person who’s leaving will be the biggest deciding factor in whether or not you give them a going away gift.
If you’re close friends with them, then it’s definitely a nice gesture to give them something to commemorate their time at the company. But if you’re not particularly close with them, you don’t necessarily have to go out of your way to get them a gift.
Reason for leaving
If you think about it, the reason why your coworker is leaving will also play a role in deciding if you should give them a gift or not.
If they’re leaving because they got promoted or transferred to another company, then it’s definitely a good idea to give them a going away present. But if they’re leaving because they got fired, then you should hold off on the gift-giving.
Company policy
Before you start brainstorming going away gift ideas, it’s important to check with your company’s HR department to see if there are any rules or guidelines around giving gifts to departing employees.
Some companies might have a strict no-gifting policy, while others might limit how much you can spend. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and check with HR before going ahead with your plans.
Should you give a going away gift to your boss?
The question of whether or not to give a going away gift for your boss is a bit more complicated. On the one hand, they’re your superior, and it’s probably not appropriate to give them a personal gift.
However, if you’re part of a close-knit team and your boss is leaving on good terms, then giving them a group gift from the team might be a nice gesture. Just be sure to check with HR first to see if this is allowed.
When Should You Give a Going Away Gift?
Ideally, you should give the going away present to your coworker on their last day. This way, they can open it in front of everyone and feel the love!
If you can’t do this for whatever reason, then the next best option is to give them the gift at a going away party in their honor. In a party setting, everyone will have a chance to say goodbye and wish them well.
If you’re not able to give the gift in person, then you can always send it to their home or office with a card attached.
How do you choose the right gift for someone who is leaving?
There are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a going away gift for your coworker. Here are a few guidelines to help you out:
Think about their hobbies and interests.
If they’re into cooking, then a nice cookbook or kitchen gadget would be a good choice. If they’re into travel, then a nice piece of luggage would be a good option.
Consider their personality.
If they’re the funny ones in the office, a humorous going away gift would be appropriate. If they’re the more sentimental type, then something heartfelt would be best.
Keep it practical.
The goal is to give them something they’ll actually use and appreciate, so try to steer clear of cheesy or tacky gifts. A gift that’s too personal, like lingerie or jewelry, is also a no-go.
Stick to a budget.
How much you spend on the going away present will depend on your relationship with the person and your company’s gift-giving policy. A general rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30, but you can go higher or lower than that.
Read More: A Comprehensive And Thorough Guide to Workplace Gift Giving
What are some popular going away gift ideas?
Some popular going away gift ideas include:
- A gift card to their favorite restaurant or store
- A personalized mug or photo frame
- A gift certificate for a spa day or massage
- A photo album filled with memories from your time together
- A nice bottle of wine or champagne
How much should you spend on a going away gift?
We’ve previously established that it’s generally appropriate to spend around $20-$30 on a going away gift for a coworker. However, depending on your budget and relationship with the person, you can go higher or lower than that.
If you’re part of a close-knit team, you might want to consider chipping in with some of your coworkers to get a more expensive gift.
In case you’re planning to gift your boss, then it’s best to stick to a more modest gift, like a nice bottle of wine or a gift card to their favorite restaurant.
Are there other things you can do to say goodbye to a coworker or your boss?
Sometimes, giving going away presents isn’t allowed in the office, or you might not be able to afford a gift. If this is the case, then there are still plenty of ways to say goodbye to your coworker or boss. Here are a few ideas:
- Write them a heartfelt card expressing your appreciation for their time at the company.
- Make a collage of photos from your time together.
- Throw them a going away party and include some of their favorite foods and drinks.
- Write a positive review or testimonial on LinkedIn.
- Give them a hug, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Sometimes, the HR department will also have a going away policy that you need to follow. For example, they might require you to write a letter of recommendation or fill out a questionnaire about your time working together.
But if there’s nothing formal required of you, then you can always write a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for their work and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.
Conclusion
Giving going away gifts for coworkers can be a nice way to show your appreciation for their time at the company.
Just make sure to keep it practical and within your budget. And if you can’t afford a gift or giving gifts isn’t allowed in your office, there are still plenty of other ways to say goodbye.
