What is the meaning of the hadith: "Gifts to workers are embezzlement"?

Question:
What is the meaning of the hadith: "Gifts to workers are embezzlement"?

Answer:
Yes, this is bribery. By "workers" are meant employees. They must not be given gifts by those who come to them for business or those who have cases with them; they must not be given gifts. Likewise, those who collect zakah—the workers who collect zakah from people—must not be given gifts, because this is bribery. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) appointed a man named Ibn al-Lutbiyyah to oversee the alms. He came to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, "This is for you, and this was given to me as a gift." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed the people and said, "What is the matter with a man whom we appoint to a duty entrusted to us by Allah, and then he comes and says, 'This is for you, and this was given to me as a gift'? Should he not sit in his mother's house and see if he is given a gift?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) considered this to be embezzlement. It is obligatory for employees in any field not to accept gifts from those who come to them, from people, or from those with cases, because this is bribery. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who gives a bribe and the one who takes a bribe. This is illicit gain, which Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has forbidden.