Unexpected gift from coworkers

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Today I was sitting working at my desk as usual, when one of the sales supervisors from the front office came to see me.

She handed me a card signed by many of the sales people in the front office with $185.00 in prepaid VISA cards in it. Rather than being elated by this, I went into full panic mode. After thanking her, I went to my boss immediately suggesting this could be a code of conduct violation to accept a gift in the workplace of over $50.00 ?

My boss said you earned it by working hard and impressing people up front, enjoy the money. This left me perplexed. Totally unexpected event, not required, I'm adequately compensated by my employer, I don't like surprises.

I sent an e-mail letter of thank you to everyone who signed the card, but at the same time I hit a low worrying- 'Why are they doing this??' I'm just doing my job normally, no one else got this, why should they single me out? What is the thought process involved- why do they think I need this? I'm just one small cog in the wheel, now I feel guilty for having something that others in my department, who are equally worthy of did not receive.

I thrive on repetition and routine, changes that I don't see coming throw me for a loop. (Any normal person handed money would be happy, I'm perplexed and worried instead).

Do not panic.

Find out what the terms of the $50 limit rule are, does it only apply to gifts between some groups of people at work or not. Bear in mind that if a fellow university prof was to give me a bottle of scotch it would be viewed very differently to if a salesman of scientific equipment or an undergrad whose exam I was about to mark was to give me the same bottle of scotch.

My advice is to go to the boss and say that you are very thankful about the gift of the money, if the rule does apply ask for mutual protection if you can have it in writing that it is acceptable for you to keep the gift.

My own view is that while it might be rare for a team of people to give another team member that much money, the chances are that it is a harmless gift and not a bribe.

_________________
Health is a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity I am not a jigsaw, I am a free man !

Diagnosed under the DSM5 rules with autism spectrum disorder, under DSM4 psychologist said would have been AS (299.80) but I suspect that I am somewhere between 299.80 and 299.00 (Autism) under DSM4.

The $50 rule probably applies only from one person to another. If this is from a group that might be different.

The $50 rule may only apply to gifts from outside vendors, contractor, etc. At least that has always been the case at every job I have had. This gift was a thank you from fellow coworkers so I seriously doubt this rule applies. You did a stellar job and was recognized for it. Be happy about it because it doesn't happen to us Aspies very often.

You have asked your supervisor, and he or she did not turn it down. That is enough. Be happy for the extra cash!

Also, if you splurge it on yourself in a socially acceptable way, ... like new clothes or something, I would even mention that to the team next time you them if there is no client, thanking them once again. It creates good will, knowing that you did something fun and that their gift was after all appreciated.