Workplace Buzz: Today’s Headlines

Code of Conduct for Gift Giving
By and large, the simple answer is you don't give your boss a gift, says Barbara Pachter, a business etiquette expert and author of "New Rules @ Work," who lives in Cherry Hill, N.J. "That rule applies mainly to big companies where the boss could have up to 30 people working for him or her," Pachter said. ScrippsNews

Gift-Giving Quandary
I'm not sure how to handle holiday gift-giving at work. About three months ago, I started a part-time job in a very small office. I don't make much money, so I'm not comfortable giving presents. Bringing homemade treats won't work because I don't bake. My husband, who works for a large corporation, says that giving Christmas gifts is not appropriate. What are your thoughts? Dallas News

Unemployment Query
I was a salaried employee for a small company, usually working 24 hours a week. When I found and accepted a better job, I gave three weeks' notice, which I thought was the ethical and responsible thing to do. My employer apparently felt differently, because I was terminated the same day I gave notice. I had not planned on going three weeks without a paycheck, and there's not enough time to find another job that will tide me over until my new job begins. Would I qualify for unemployment, even though I voluntarily quit my job? Orlando Sentinel