December 12, 2016
It’s the holiday season and gifts abound. The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch define “gift” as anything that has monetary value. Keep in mind, the gift rules apply every day of the year to federal employees in every executive branch agency at every pay level and position.
Riddle #3-- On special infrequent and occasional bases, we can be shared in the office among several employees
Answer: Food and refreshments
Under the Standards of Conduct, federal employees may voluntarily contribute to and to accept any food or refreshments that will be shared in the office among several employees.
The Standards of Conduct generally prohibit federal employees from giving, contributing to or soliciting for a gift to an official superior. Likewise, they also prohibit federal employees from accepting gifts from anyone who makes less pay. However, a gift exception for food and refreshments shared in the office among several employees allows all office members to participate in the modest social events that often occur this time of year.
For more information about the Gifts Between Employee provisions, please see OGE’s website at https://www.oge.gov/Web/OGE.nsf/Resources/Gifts+Between+Employees. Federal employees with gift acceptance questions should speak with an agency ethics official.