Quizzes & Puzzles3 mins ago
Guilty Perks Of The Job
133 Answers
Done another 5 hour stint at the foodbank distribution centre today. Talking to my manageress this morning when she casually asked how I managed on benefits. Told her that generally I got by ok and was fortunate enough that if I had a bad week money wise that my mum would help me out...food wise...and that I was fairly good at budgeting anyway (always shopping for the 2 for 1 offers etc)
She said that she would give me a foodbank voucher, (for the church that was literally across the road from where I live and was open tonight for collection). I actually felt a bit embarrassed and stressed that I hadn't come to work for the foodbank with the intention of taking its food from those that needed it more than myself. She insisted that I have it and insinuated that as a volunteer it was an occasional 'perk' as most, if not all, of the volunteers are on benefits and struggling anyway.
Ive just collected 3 bags of shopping (some of which I'm sure that ive 'marked up' previously as it looks like my hand writing...)
Its nice to have a perk for ur work but should I feel guilty? (because I do)
Either way it feels good to be a little bit appreciated....with or without the food voucher.
Just curious as to how others would view this little 'perk'?
Thanks
She said that she would give me a foodbank voucher, (for the church that was literally across the road from where I live and was open tonight for collection). I actually felt a bit embarrassed and stressed that I hadn't come to work for the foodbank with the intention of taking its food from those that needed it more than myself. She insisted that I have it and insinuated that as a volunteer it was an occasional 'perk' as most, if not all, of the volunteers are on benefits and struggling anyway.
Ive just collected 3 bags of shopping (some of which I'm sure that ive 'marked up' previously as it looks like my hand writing...)
Its nice to have a perk for ur work but should I feel guilty? (because I do)
Either way it feels good to be a little bit appreciated....with or without the food voucher.
Just curious as to how others would view this little 'perk'?
Thanks
Answers
From what I have read nailit, you are as entitled to the voucher as anyone else, on the basis that you are on benefits, and sometimes find it hard to feed yourself and your family - so you are someone for whom the Foodbank food is intended. I think it's admirable that not only do you volunteer and give up your time and energy, but you also feel embarrassed at being...
19:54 Thu 30th Aug 2018
I wouldn't take it. I know quite a bit about charities and the way they work and have been heavily involved with two major organisations. I resigned from both - directly as a result of 'perks' given - and often expected. My feeling is that people don't put money into charity boxes to provide perks for administrators or for volunteers.
I once volunteered at a children’s hospice. Every year around Christmas, a huge party with three course meal was held for the volunteers at a local swish hotel, to thank them. I only went once as I felt very uncomfortable as it must have cost a fortune and I’d rather the money went to the hospice.
If you’re eligible for a food bank voucher then I’d go through the proper channels to get one rather than accepting it as a ‘perk’ of volunteering. ‘Perks’ for volunteering seems wrong.
If you’re eligible for a food bank voucher then I’d go through the proper channels to get one rather than accepting it as a ‘perk’ of volunteering. ‘Perks’ for volunteering seems wrong.
When we have too much of something...either because it's fresh and we don't have storage or cannot use immediately, or it's a tinned item that we are swimming in, I may then offer it to those volunteers who I know could do with a bit of help. I doubt those who donate would mind, as part of our job is to provide for those who need. We even do it for co-workers having a rough time. Don't feel guilty nailit. If you do, donate in kind or a bit of cash when you can. ;-)
Naomi...not all volunteers are sweet, church going, salt of the earth, older middle England types. ( ok...thats a bit ott, but you know what I mean). The majority of ours have been thtough some pretty rough times, and may still be recovering. Sometimes volunteering is a stepping stone to eventually working. They still need help...so it's given. Its not a perk in those situations.
We thank the volunteers at Christmas with a meal we cook for them.
We thank the volunteers at Christmas with a meal we cook for them.
This is a difficult one for me. A few tins of beans and packets of pasta isn't equal to a swanky 3 course meal in a swanky hotel. But neither did I ask for it anyway.
Ive also worked for several other charities where the volunteers never had any perks and were frankly used as cheap labour while the 'top brass' paid employees had jollies galore.
Ive also worked for several other charities where the volunteers never had any perks and were frankly used as cheap labour while the 'top brass' paid employees had jollies galore.
Volunteering is very different from being a paid employee though.
I’m not really criticising you for accepting the food, more the person who saw fit to give it to you. If I’d have donated to the food bank hopper at the supermarket then I’d want to be sure it went to those who I expected it to go to, not someone randomly selected by someone in charge at the food bank.
You’re doing a good job regardless, nailit.
I’m not really criticising you for accepting the food, more the person who saw fit to give it to you. If I’d have donated to the food bank hopper at the supermarket then I’d want to be sure it went to those who I expected it to go to, not someone randomly selected by someone in charge at the food bank.
You’re doing a good job regardless, nailit.
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