4 office protocol tips to follow for Valentines Day, from experts

4 office protocol tips to follow for Valentines Day, from experts4 office protocol tips to follow for Valentines Day, from expertsSince Valentines Day falls on a weekday this year, common-sense rules of professionalism should be followed at work. Interacting with coworkers should be like any other day. Experts recommend to keep things low-key and act as if its any other Thursday.Dont give gifts or cardsNot only is giving cards or gifts to co-workers unprofessional for Valentines Day, its not appropriate, says Rachel Wagner, a geschftliches miteinander etiquette and protocol expert.This can send the wrong message and cause awkwardness when you meet in the hallway or break room, she says.Dont engage in Valentines Day undertonesWagner says Valentines Day does not give anyone license to flirt with coworkers and possibly convey misunderstanding and mixed signals On the same note, avoid giving compliments that convey the wrong message, like, You look really nice in that dress. Instead, kee p the compliments professional, Ashley, I appreciate how you ran the meeting today. One acceptable compliment, however, is to acknowledge the gifts that others received from spouses/significant others that might be displayed on their desk, such as flowers, Wagner says.Keep gestures general and genericEveryone can share the love by taking in treats for the entire department or team.Great items to share include heart-shaped cookies, a homemade cherry coffee cake, brownies, bagels with strawberry cream cheese or a box of chocolates, suggest Wagner.Everyone will appreciate your thoughtfulness even if they dont indulge.Keep your Valentines Day plans privateDiscussions of personal life and relationship status, hot dates, etc are also not appropriate for work, says Lew Bayer, CEO Civility Experts.Im not sure what the equivalent of a Christmas Scrooge is but whatever it is, I highly recommend being that at work, at least from 9-5 on Valentines Day.