’Tis the Season for Ethics Survival Tips

Mariah Carey’s voice is everywhere, and ugly sweaters abound, which can only mean that the holiday season is officially underway.

Of course, the office holiday party is just as synonymous with the season as overplayed Christmas tunes and kitschy cardigans. These types of gatherings can present quandaries for government employees. The United States Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is here to help, recently issuing its annual list of Ethics Survival Tips, designed to help government personnel avoid ethical pitfalls as they navigate the office holiday party circuit.

While the OGE’s guidance is geared toward federal employees, it includes some good advice for workers throughout government who might find themselves in social situations around the holidays that present ethical grey areas. OGE lays out a few hypothetical scenarios and offers suggestions on how to steer clear of ethical dilemmas.

In one such situation, for instance, an employee is responsible for collecting funds from colleagues to pay for food, beverages and decorations “without running afoul of the [agency’s rules.”

OGE offers a number of tips, such as making sure the solicitation clearly states that contributions are voluntary. And, if including a suggested donation amount, be sure to indicate that employees are free to give the suggested amount, a different amount or not contribute at all.

The organization also suggests ensuring that the solicitation does not come from a supervisor or executive, so as not to make colleagues feel pressured to contribute. And, “most importantly, “have your ethics office review the solicitation before you send it out,” OGE advised.

Public sector employees may receive invitations to parties hosted by an organization that works with their agency. OGE recommends exercising caution.

“Speak with your ethics office,” OGE said. “Gifts from people or organizations that seek to do or do business with your agency, such as contractors and regulated entities, can pose serious ethical challenges.”

Intraoffice gift exchanges are also common this time of year. OGE urges government employees holding a gift exchange to ensure that invitations make clear that participation is voluntary, and should be sent by someone other than a supervisor or executive. The organization recommends keeping the suggested gift value at $10 or less, and, of course, running the invitation by the agency’s ethics office before sending, if the organization has such an office.

Government employees likely have friends working in government as well, and may want to buy them a gift to recognize that friendship around the holidays. Whether the gift is for a co-worker or a superior, keep it small, says OGE.

“Greeting cards or items valued at $10 or less will keep you clear of any ethics problems.”