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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Work should buy me a stand up desk

107 replies

Marue · 21/10/2015 18:32

They are really digging their heals about this. It costs maybe 400 that they can detuct against tax and they would of paid a 5 figure amount to an employment agency to requit me.

I don't ask for much at work, I've bought in my own special keyboard and mouse and my training has all been done locally the last few years so saved many times the cost of the desk on hotel and transport expenses.

The company is doing very well and not short of money.

I'm kind of taking offence that they don't want to make this small investment too make my working life better. Aibu?

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 21/10/2015 19:06

Yes, hard work.

BojackHorseman · 21/10/2015 19:07

They don't have to buy you one unless you have a genuine reason for requiring one. I've worked in an office for over ten years straight and my back is fine.

TheCatsMother99 · 21/10/2015 19:08

My DH has 3 seriously degenerative disks at the base of his spine which often cause him to have a slipped disk. He needs a stand up desk when a disk slips but other than that he copes fine with a chair with decent support.

Using him as a comparison, is your back anything like his or worse?

Babytookacupwoo · 21/10/2015 19:08

Well then I don't know I why you've mentioned recruitment fees. They're totally irrelevant

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 19:10

Gosh some of you have very outdated opinions. I'm sure if I'd of asked on her 20 years ago about wanting and adjustable seat or monitor some of you would have said the same, not unless your disabled .

The workmasters would be pleased .

OP posts:
Axekick · 21/10/2015 19:12

Yes I would say you sound like hard work. If you medically need one go through occupational health. With the support of your GP try will probably get you one.

They aren't just going to buy you one unless it's medically needed. What if all employee decide they need certain equipment but don't bother proving it. It's sets a precedent. Follow the right procedure.

Threatening to leave is very childish and if you said that to me I would hold the door open for you. I would rather lose £15k that be blackmailed.

ilovesooty · 21/10/2015 19:13

I suspect I possibly have views you might consider outdated on the quality, standards and attitude I'd expect from recruited staff.

BatteryOperatedBoyfriend · 21/10/2015 19:13

Who pays £15K for an employee who can't use spell check.

Ducks for cover

BojackHorseman · 21/10/2015 19:13

OP do you have a genuine reason for requiring a stand up desk?

You are coming across as bit precious TBH.

Axekick · 21/10/2015 19:14

I had my first at home pic 23 years ago. It's had an adjustable monitor as standard. So I don't get you point.

lorelei9 · 21/10/2015 19:14

OP, if you get significant discomfort from being seated at a desk, I agree they should pay. Do you have an occupational health section?

I would imagine you'd need to get a medical recommendation though.

Don't go saying "doesn't everyone have this problem" - I would have thought statistically more don't have a problem than do and anyway, it's got nothing to do with making a case for you getting one for yourself.

Axekick · 21/10/2015 19:15

PC not pic

lljkk · 21/10/2015 19:15

If they paid a 5 figure sum to recruit you then why not pay for the upright desk yourself & take it with you when you go?

I mean I get the "principle" you shouldn't have to, but why not smooth the way?

DamsonInDistress · 21/10/2015 19:16

Have, OP, have. Not of.

TheCatsMother99 · 21/10/2015 19:16

So you've tried a proper back support then rather than just jumping to a stand up desk?

Axekick · 21/10/2015 19:18

wanted work to buy me a unicorn as it would make me happier and therefore more productive. The tight bastards haven't so I know how you feel

My company wouldn't provide the solid gold toilet seat that made me more relaxed. Wonder if it's the same place. Surely two employers are not this unreasonable Grin

lljkk · 21/10/2015 19:18

so I know sod-all about recruitment fees, but if they paid OP 15k to recruit, then OP is paid a heck of a lot more than 15k, right?

Work only paid about £1.5k to recruit me and I'm paid £30k & could afford the sodding desk if it mattered enough to me.

GruntledOne · 21/10/2015 19:20

Have you tried working at your home stand-up desk for seven hours a day, five days a week, or whatever the equivalent of your working hours is?

lorelei9 · 21/10/2015 19:21

lljkk, by the same reasoning, if they pay the OP a six figure salary, you'd think they'd want her working at her best every day.

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 19:21

I mean I get the "principle" you shouldn't have to, but why not smooth the way?

Because it would set a precedent of employees having to pay for their workstation gear.

I know this isn't a view popular on mumsnet, but I think employee and employer is a two way street. Most people here think someone should just be happy to do a job and accept whatever working conditions as previous threads have shown.

OP posts:
Axekick · 21/10/2015 19:22

There is also the possibility they feel it's not workable full time. Standing up for long periods of time, isn't great either. Especially if you aren't living around a lot.

Original poster
Marue · 21/10/2015 19:22

lljkk, by the same reasoning, if they pay the OP a six figure salary, you'd think they'd want her working at her best every day.

Exactly! Hardly by demotivating or making me jump through hoops is probably a false economy for them.

OP posts:
ZoeTurtle · 21/10/2015 19:24

Marue nobody thinks we should all accept whatever working conditions we're given. We just think you're being precious and you can't have the exact working conditions you want, paid for by someone else, just because you'd like to. As umpteen people have asked, do you have an actual medical need? That's the crux of the issue.

headexplodesbodyfreezes · 21/10/2015 19:24

I don't think you can use the recruitment fee to hold them hostage to buying anything you want for the duration of your employment. That is just going to annoy them.

Go via occupational health and have a proper assessment of your work station and requirements.

TSSDNCOP · 21/10/2015 19:25

So you want a fandango desk for 400 quid based on nothing except your perceived happiness, and your fabulously modest assessment of your worth to your organisation.

What happens when Sarah wants a new chair, Dave wants an air humidifier and Accounts want the toilets on their floor refurbished to include a sauna.

If you really need it for health reasons make your case to occupational health.