Company Xmas Tradition

BargainGalore

Its sad to here Ebenezer is still alive and well in 2015 I wouldn't like to but I suppose they hoping people will be too scared not to. What wonderful working environment, and just shows best way to get most of out your staff, not.

I thought it was the employer that mainly gives although thats dying but never heard of employees doing this

FBaby

I would ask HR wife if she minded you put the money towards the company sponsored charity instead!

Sharon87

I would tell her 'oh I haven't budgeted for this, I can't really afford anything at the minute, it's an expensive time of year' and if she says anything, just tell her you can put 50p or £1 in!

Companies I've worked at do Secret Santa, but it's always been optional. I think it's very cheeky what they're asking!

TBagpuss

misterzim wrote: »

Thanks guys, similar responses to my co-workers. I don't really get the need to thank the directors - for giving me a job? For paying me? For the social events that I have to pay for myself? I'm not sure it's the directors idea to be honest, I think it's the MD's wife. She said an envelope will come round so I may just add a penny - unless she stands over me, which I can foresee!!

Is the company large enough to have a manager or HR bod? if so it might be worth having a small group os workers speak to that person and explain that you all feel really awkward about this 'inappropriate' tradition and the pressure you are put under to take part.

Is it possible that the directors are not aware that it is being [STRIKE]demanded[/STRIKE] arranged by the MD's wife? It's possible that they think it is somthing staff chose to do rahter than something which people feel pressured to particpate in.

misterzim

It's totally possible that the directors don't know about it as I feel the MD is not the type of person to organise this - in my limited interaction with him.

HR is just the MD's wife so no others to talk to about it. I spoke to a couple more staff today about it and they all say they disagree with it but don't feel like they can say no?

Reggie_Rebel

Dear Directors,

This year, to recognise the philanthropy that the company shows and to give something back as a community we have decided that rather than buy you a small gift we will be donating the money raised to a charity of your choosing.

Where do you want us to send the cash?

Love,

The workers

Dan-Dan

send an envelope round?

I cant believe what i`m reading , the absolute cheek of it

My companys owners (small business) wouldnt dream of it , any goodwill gift gestures really should be flowing down not up

beggars belief

makeyourdaddyproud

misterzim wrote: »

Hi all,

Just a quick query. This is my first Xmas with my current employer and I was told today by HR lady (wife of MD) that it's company tradition to put some money towards a gift (usually a gift voucher) for all of the directors of the company.

I've never heard of this sort of thing before having worked in the public sector most of my adult life - is this normal?

Most staff I spoke to about it think it's ridiculous but feel obliged to do it so as not to cause any trouble for themselves - you'd have to say no to the MD's wife!!

Any thoughts?

I think it's garbage. Have you nothing better to do?

Takeaway_Addict

Dan-Dan wrote: »

send an envelope round?

I cant believe what i`m reading , the absolute cheek of it

My companys owners (small business) wouldnt dream of it , any goodwill gift gestures really should be flowing down not up

beggars belief

Why? werewrwer

System

Never heard of such crass.

One employer I was with said we pay £3 towards a buffet at Xmas Before anyone says what, if you bring in something yourself, you spend about that. We got more as stuff was bought in a cash n carry