Ask the expert: Accept gifts without obligation

DR MARIE WILSON*

Q. What is the protocol for receiving Christmas gifts from clients and suppliers?

A. This is the time of year when we always get small gifts from clients and suppliers, and occasionally from other staff in the business. I usually feel a bit awkward when these arrive, particularly since I'm not in a position to give gifts in exchange.

The nice thing about gifts is that there is no expectation of an exchange, so you do not need to feel obliged to quickly deliver a present in return.

If these are coming to you at work, however, you might want to check if your organisation has a policy on the receipt of gifts.

Some firms set a limit on the value of gifts that can be received, or on whom gifts can be accepted from, to avoid the appearance of being influenced by them.

If you feel uncomfortable about the gift, you can always pass it on to someone else, or share it with your colleagues by opening it to use by others.

You could also pass it on to a charity that will be able to use it to bring a bit of luxury into someone else's life.

If you anticipate receiving several gifts this year, it might be worth stocking up on nice cards that can be used to send a warm note of thanks, so that you can express your appreciation the moment it arrives.

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Q. Some weeks ago I read an answer in Ask the Expert, to an inquiry from an Indian electrical engineer.

You said you didn't know of any counselling services but would be happy to hear from readers about assistance for migrants.

Career Services Rapuara (

Careers

) has Government funding to help migrants with career planning, CVs, job search etc, at no charge.

Kiwicareers website (

Kiwi Careers

) has a section on information for immigrants.

It also has job vacancy links to general recruitment sites, including the Hi-Q and New Kiwis sites for immigrants.

These two sites are linked to initiatives supported by the Settlement Division of the Immigration Department and by Auckland Chamber of Commerce. They have data banks of employers and help with job search.

In Wellington the English Second Language Home Tutor Scheme has been involved in helping migrants through mentoring projects.

In Tauranga (and other centres) there are Immigrant Resource and Referral Centres which may be able to put the new migrant in touch with someone from overseas who has entered their profession in New Zealand.

A. Thank you for referring us to support services and information for new migrants. The difficulty in finding jobs in a new country is both tremendously frustrating for the job seeker, as well as limiting the growth and performance of the New Zealand economy.

If there are other readers who know of an important resource that has been missed out, please let us know, so we can include it in future responses.

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