About a third of Canadian workers asked whether they like contributing to office functions or milestone celebrations say they find it annoying.
A new survey finds more than half of employees though don’t mind forking over a few dollars now and then to help with birthday, anniversary and retirement celebrations.
There are limits though and Gena Griffin of the Canadian staffing service, “Office Team”, says its best not to ask everybody to chip in, especially new-bees.
She says: “If new employees or someone in the group that doesn’t work directly with the individual, doesn’t feel like contributing or participating, that that is OK and they shouldn’t be made to feel awkward in any way.”
Griffin also suggests its good office ettiquette to make clear donations are strictly voluntary, allow employees to contribute what they want, send blanket emails throuigh the office asking for anonymous donations and combine all celebrations into one event a month.
She says that might convince companies to chip in too.
As part of the survey:
Managers were asked, “On average, how often are employees at your firm asked to contribute money to pay for staff celebrations or events?” Their responses:
|
Once a week |
2% |
|
Once a month |
11% |
|
Once a quarter |
16% |
|
Once or twice a year |
26% |
|
Never |
40% |
|
Don’t know |
5% |
|
100% |
Workers were asked, “How do you feel about being asked to contribute money to pay for staff celebrations or events?” Their responses:
|
It’s annoying |
33% |
|
It’s OK every so often |
58% |
|
It’s totally fine because it’s for a good cause |
9% |
|
100% |
“Most employees don’t mind chipping in to celebrate coworkers’ milestones, but the requests should be made in moderation,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “While no one wants to look like a party pooper for not participating, being asked to contribute too often can become a burden and takes the fun out of events.”
OfficeTeam highlights some do’s and don’ts when asking co-workers to pitch in for office parties:
|
Don’t |
Do |
|
Ask everyone to chip in. |
Reach out to those who are closest to the person being recognized. A new employee or someone who doesn’t work directly with the individual may feel awkward participating. |
|
Make it mandatory. |
Be clear that contributions are voluntary. Some staff may choose to lend a hand in other ways, such as helping to plan or decorate. |
|
Set a required dollar amount. |
Invite employees to donate whatever they are comfortable with. |
|
Put others on the spot. |
Send an email and circulate an envelope for anonymous contributions instead of reaching out to each colleague individually. |
|
Overdo it with the requests. |
Combine multiple occasions into monthly or quarterly office parties. This limits how often workers are asked to donate money, and your company may even help cover the costs. |
