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Business and Social Etiquette Expert: Syndi Seid
Should the boss pay for lunch?
Q: I was out to lunch in a nice restaurant with my boss. When the check arrived, I wasn't sure what to do. Is there etiquette about who should pay? Is it more appropriate (or even expected) that the boss foot the bill? Should I at least make a gesture to pay?
A: Etiquette states whoever does the inviting should be the person who pays. In business the boss is usually the person who initiates the invitation. Therefore it is not expected that the employee should pay or even gesture to pay. If an employee really wants to show appreciation, the employee can write the boss a handwritten thank–you note, or can even invite the boss to lunch at another time to reciprocate.
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