AIBU To think this Manager was unprofessional

[midlandslurker]

I work for the Public Sector.

This Particular departmental Manager and her Deputy have never put into staff collections,instead choosing to buy an individual small gift.

I realise that they are under no obligation to do so and its a nice thoughtful way to show their appreciation of a particular staff member.

A few weeks ago 2 members of staff left and they were presented with their gifts and I'm sure the recipients appreciated it - even though one had only worked there for 6 months.

Last Friday another member of staff left and got nothing -She had been there for 7 years ,was a loyal hard worker and good at her job. She was opinionated and spoke up when things were wrong and this obviously didn't go down too well with management.

AIBU to think that if you do it for one you should do it for all ?

I always thought that managers should treat their staff "fairly and consistently"

Do you mean she didn't get a collective gift or she didn't get an individual gift from either of the managers?

I'm confused. Don't the rest of the staff collect in appreciation of a colleague even if management choose not to be involved?

If it's been decided that they fund the presents, yes: their attitude stinks.

I suppose the people leaving aren't their staff anymore. Collections aren't really a business matter they are a personal one anyway so it isn't unprofessional. It could be that they didn't get on, or the manager might just be really skint this week, or maybe just forgot. Either way it's no big deal really.

I would have said a long serving member of staff leaving without recognition is a big deal, Angels

Sorry wasn't very clear.

Her fellow colleges collected for her and bought a gift .

The Managers always decline to put in saying that they will buy their own.

I have worked there for 10 years and its always been that way.

In her case they chose not to do either.

Thanks: that's clearer now. I think their behaviour was disgraceful then.

Did this colleague leave of her own accord or was she pushed? If the management have spent months trying to get rid of her, perhaps they felt a gift would have been somewhat hypocritical! However, I agree it's awkward and doesn't reflect well on them.

Did this colleague leave of her own accord or was she pushed?

She got another comparable position within the same organisation .

I'll probably get shot down for saying this, but surely giving leaving presents or contributing to collections for leaving presents are personal and voluntary decisions? I have always contributed for people I know and like and declined to contribute for those I don't. Some people think I'm being mean - I think I'm refusing to be two-faced! (I've done this as a manager as well as non-manager).

I think it's a bit mean of the managers but if they didn't get on with someone then buying them a gift would be a big hypocritical anyway. I don't necessarily think its unprofessional though, as collections and gifts are voluntary and not really a business matter. And, as in this case, inevitably lead to trouble and upset at some point!

Was the staff member bothered? If not then yabu to get worked up.

I don't contribute to gifts if I don't like the person, to be honest gifts are personal, friendly gestures - they're not compulsory. I don't think it's unprofessional for the managers to decide not to spend their own m

Whoops!

Meant to say I don't think it's unprofessional for managers to decide not to spend their own money on somebody they don't like.

I don't like everyone I work with. I don't contribute to all leaving gifts because they are voluntary.

So she's not really left then? Just moved departments. Same company etc.. Even more of a reason not to make a voluntary contribution or buy a seperate gift.

Im not supprised i worked over a decade and left and got bugger all! My boss didnt even say bye the evil cow.

I was Just a bit surprised that as this persons direct Managers they considered it reasonable and professional to acknowledge every other members of staff leaving with a token of appreciation and just not this individuals.

When I was a manager I wouldn't have dreamed of not treating all staff equally regardless of personal feelings.

Another position within the same organisation?

Is it possible no gifts were bought as she wasn't leaving the company, just moving teams? (Not saying I agree with that necessarily, btw...)

I think it is unprofessional - not just towards your colleague but it sends a "message" to those who remain.

MrsBW The organisation is massive with this particular "branch" (don't want to out anyone) having about 8000 employees over 2 sites locally,so its not as if she was just moving desks or floors............

The majority of people who "leave" tens to stay within the organisation.