Hi All,

I'll be starting a new job in Zurich soon.

My employer and the organization secretary have been really nice to me so far, in our email correspondence.

I was therefore wondering: Is it ok if I present them with some small gifts when I meet them for the first time?

I'm asking this because when I was in Japan, some university professors were taken back when presented with a gift since for them, business was *strictly* business, while a few were genuinely pleased. I am not sure of what the Swiss work-culture is like....

Will appreciate your comments, thanks

This is not something I would do. However, on my first day here in Zurich (arriving midday, getting int the office late afternoon for a team meeting) it was agreed that I would bring the 'apero' - drinks and nibbles for afterwards.

In the canteen here people bring in croissants/cakes in the morning or afternoon etc when it's their birthday; you could do something similar?

So I would suggest doing something for the 'team' in general than giving individual presents.

it looks a bit like a "bribe" to me if you do that on your first day, and if only for the boss and secretary
bringing croissants for everybody would leave a better impression.

Thanks to both of you for the tip!