Baby Shower Etiquette
It is customary for a company to host a baby shower for an employee who is pregnant or adopting a baby or perhaps another worker who is close to the expectant mother may want to throw a shower. Regardless of who hosts it, it can take place at work, in a home, or in a public area such as a restaurant or park.
As a business owner, manager, or human resource professional, socializing with employees outside the course of the normal workday is something that you should limit. Getting too friendly can cause problems later if there is a discipline issue with someone that you see outside of work. Also, you could be accused of playing favorites. However, your attendance at a baby shower is expected and you will leave a negative impression if you do not attend. If you make it a policy to attend showers, be consistent; do not pick and choose whose baby shower you will attend. Attend everyone's, or attend none. If you regularly attend showers but have to miss one due to a previous engagement, send a gift with your congratulations.
A group gift may be purchased and the price divided amongst the employees who contribute. This helps the mother with expensive items such as a crib, stroller, or car seat. Ask her what she needs and for the style and model number of things she likes. She may have registered her choices at a store, so ask about that, too.
If the shower is held on company property, it's easier to treat it as an office event and the socializing outside the office rules don't apply. If it's held in someone's home or at a restaurant, leave early if people start drinking alcohol. Employees may have too much to drink and let their guard down, telling you things that they shouldn't, and you'll have to deal with it later. If the company is sponsoring the event, skip the alcohol. You don't need the liability of serving alcohol to people who may get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
