How would you have interpreted this?

[CC4712]

1st world issue I know. We've been renovating and next week have a different team doing an intensive day for a specific job. I asked the manager if any allergies in his team, because sometimes I might bake a cake or make bacon rolls in the morning.

He said 'So I'll tell them not to bring any food then?'

'Well no, I'll be working all day, so tell them to still bring their normal meals!' 'IF I have the time, I might bake a cake'

Would you have thought I meant I was providing all meals, all day for the 5 workmen?

Asking for allergies does imply that you take catering very seriously…

What possessed you to ask? 🫣You could just offer something on the day, if someone is allergic they’ll say so.

I'd have taken it that you intended to feed them all

Why would you bake a cake for workmen anyway?

Yes I would have interpreted it that you intended to provide the workmen with food.
Asking for allergies is always a precursor to someone providing food. To me his question was just him trying to establish if how he interpreted it was correct.

Yeah maybe you came on a bit strong there.

Cups of tea, occasional offer of biscuits I think is normal. Bacon rolls and asking about allergies is so much more than expected it comes across as a bit wierd 😂

I wouldn't have asked about allergies, if any of them was dangerously allergic it would already have been mentioned so that others don't bring the trigger food. It's a treat, in addition to their own food. Obviously where the choice is eating or going hungry then you need to know that the food is ok for everyone, but if it's just a treat then they can turn it down if they can't have it.

I agree, that’s a strange question to ask in advance of the men turning up to work. The most I’ve asked when I’ve had workmen in is ‘do you take sugar/milk?’ ‘Do you want a biscuit?’ And it’s been in the moment and when I’ve been making the drink. It’s no wonder he thought you were providing catering!

I work in a specialist field hence skewed my thought process re allergies. The renovation has gone on over 2yrs using local trades, some we also know/see socially. I appreciate the feedback and can see it was an odd question from me though.

It certainly did sound like you were offering. If someone is allergic to anything then they should let you know. Would never occur to me to ask this