Ask the Readers: How much do you give for the office collection?
‘œMay your charity increase as much as your wealth.’ ‘“ Proverb
Way back when, I wrote a post about what to do when friends or co-workers ask repeatedly if you’ll sponsor them in their charity walk, ride or run. It shouldn’t seem that hard to wish someone well, and in the same breathe explain that you unfortunately can’t give this time. This is harder than you might think for most people. Just take a look at the comments if you need help.
In the same post, I mention a column at Money magazine where the writers advise that people shouldn’t be soliciting others for donations. Period. Don’t ask!
That seems a bit harsh’¦ doesn’t it? Or not? I’ve worked remotely from home for a decade, but when I did work in an office, I remember the constant stream of requests from co-workers and their children. Girl Scout cookies, gift wrap, you name it. People were always peddling something for a cause.
In the virtual world, the request is now often sent by mass email which presents its own set of complexities. The Shifting Careers column offered a creative spin on the fund-raising email. The ‘œoffice collection’ of the old-fashioned variety was handled beautifully by MyOpenWallet last week:
Over the years, I have contributed to many a collection in the office. Whenever the hat is passed for a baby shower, bridal shower, going-away party, charity walk sponsorship, etc., I always pitch in. But until now, I have never been the one responsible for doing the collecting, and I found the experience quite fascinating!
It’s worth clicking over to read the post and learn why she was surprised at the amounts and reasons given. The 30+ comments are fascinating too. Her conclusion:
I think the factor that correlated most to the donation amount was age, but contrary to what you’d think, the younger people were the ones who tended to chip in more’¦ the younger people in the office have perhaps grown up in a culture that is more inclined to over-spend. They are used to excessiveness in weddings, parties, home sizes, cars, etc. They are used to the idea that everyone spends beyond their means and has credit card debt. They like to live large– not just in selfish ways, but in generous ways. The older generations are perhaps not quite caught up with inflation, and still remember the days when $5 was a very generous contribution, because most people only gave $1! But also, the older people in the office may just tend to have slightly different values or norms about how money is spent.
Hmmm’¦ the age factor is an interesting observation and makes sense about why there is a shift in the giving habits of Gen Y. Funny too, the point about older generations. I guess I’m considered ‘œolder’ now. This was apparent, when I recently realized I hadn’t increased the tip for the valet or car wash guy in twenty years’¦ two bucks is not enough these days. I guess I’d be the one still giving 5 bucks for the office collection.
So what about you? How much do you give for a co-worker’s gift? Have you ever been the collector and if so, what were your observations? And does the occasion, rank or popularity of the co-worker play a factor? Please feel free to comment below.
Photo credit: stock.xchng.
Thanks for the mention, Nina!
Interesting!
I’m in the usually-contribute-$20 category, up from when I was younger and more broke. I’ve also bought girl scout cookies, but not entertainment books, wrapping paper, donuts, etc.
I’ve also been the recipient, and I think there is a relationship between how close the colleagues are and also a guilt factor. The baby giftcard we just got was very generous, and I can’t help but think that my boss and his boss were feeling some guilt about laying off the prego when they were hit up to contribute.
I’ve been in industries where I don’t usually have to deal with “The Office Contribution”.
I believe there is a Gender component to this process as well. When I worked for the bank just out of college we had a large Female staff..and they still do, banking seems that way. So we were constantly being hit up for a couple of bucks for this or that.
In our businesses and where I work now the predominance of employees are Male…we have a good number of Female Motorcoach Drivers (and don’t let anyone tell you women can’t driver more than a school bus, we have some fine lady drivers) but most of the drivers are Male.
About the only time we seem to be asked for contributions is if someone has gotten VERY sick and reached a point where they’ve exhausted all their available sick leave. They either ask for a dollar contribution or they allow you to “donate” some of your vacation time to the employee…be it a couple of hours or more which the recipient recieves in cash.
We’ve been lucky having only two people out of more than 200 getting very ill this year.
As for how much to give it depends (IMO) on the relationship one has with the recipient….people are much more inclined to give more for people they know or have a good relationship with.
Now back in the bank days I believe I tended to be a little more generous…(at least I like to think so}:~D)..I was usually one of those $5 people.
~ Roland
Madame X: My pleasure. I always enjoy your posts!
Liza: Excellent point. I too, think that guilt and hierarchy play into the amount. But what was interesting about the MyOpenWallet post was the boss of the recipient only gave the average. And he asked what most people were giving. Makes you wonder if he considers the recipient an average employee.
Roland: I hadn’t thought about the gender implications in industries dominated by one sex or another. I bet school teachers are constantly hit up for the collection! I also like the idea of donating vacation or sick days… that’s a good idea for those that don’t have unlimited vacation.
“…Two bucks is not enough these days.”
Yikes, I guess I really am an oldie too. I thought I was being GENEROUS at the car wash by giving a $2 tip! I’m afraid this old dog isn’t ready to learn a new trick just yet!
On the office donation — where I work we have them for wedding showers and first baby showers. For the first year or two, I didn’t put in anything, partially because I was a remote employee and partially because I thought it annoying. Then the first time I tried to put in (probably around age 24 or 25) I tried to put in $20 and the secretary (in her mid-40s) coordinating said no and handed me back $10. I’ve settled on $10, though I think there’s an expectation that the more senior folks (those in the offices) put in $20.
As I don’t buy occasion-based presents for friends, I find the whole thing ridiculous, but I go along with it because it’s socially easier than not.