Is It Necessary To Keep Contributing To Birthdays In The Workplace

[Treacle71]

Money is tight. Does it seem mean to say no? I and another colleague only sign the birthday card, but we don't put money in.

[Canary42]

Surely it's all entirely voluntary.

[barry1010]

You shouldn't sign it if you don't give. Better to buy a cheap card yourself

[Old_Geezer]

Workplace birthday cards ?!?!?!?!?

What are they then ? When I was part of the workforce it was enough to contribute to leaving cards, although one did get a few xmas ones from the overly keen.

[ichkeria]

When I was in a "workplace" I always put money in if I liked the person, only signed if I didn't like them, and didn't even sign if I really disliked them.
I didn't imagine anyone was checking. It helped that envelopes were passed round. It was rare that someone came round with it.

[ichkeria]

The start of a Ben Elton book (Gridlock?) has a hilarious opening scene to do with birthday/leaving cards.

[Mozz71]

Agree with Barry. You're under obligation to contribute, but if you don't, you shouldn't sign the card either.

[ichkeria]

Why not?

[jno]

if the card is to be presented with a gift, there's a sort of implication that the signers contributed to both.

[ichkeria]

I don't agree.
You are signing a card, not an avowal that you have contributed to any present.

[albaqwerty]

If it's for a 34 year old, I wouldn't bother, but for a 40th etc, sign card and pop in a tenner.

[tiggerblue10]

You shouldn't feel obligated to contribute and with the cost of living issues you may be experiencing, just tell them the truth. You and your colleague won't be the only ones affected by the crisis.

[Treacle71]

Thank you, guys xx

[THECORBYLOON]

I would not sign a card if I hadn't contributed.

If I went round with a collection, I would offer the card only to those who had given money.

[Tilly2]

I'm so glad that I'm not in the workplace any longer. It's fraught with obligations, donations and supposed bonhomie.

[Treacle71]

That's exactly what my mum says, Tilly2. I can't wait to retire!

[emmie]

no it's not mean, i wouldn't either