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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To message my boss to say thank you

56 replies

KatC9 · 24/04/2020 09:37

I got paid today. The full amount... I was put on furlough at the beginning of the month and I haven't been doing any work. I did catch up with my colleague a couple of times the past month but nothing work related really... I feel ashamed and sad and greatful at the same time. The thing is I stated this job in February so I barley been with the company a month before this all kicked in... it's a fairly small company, there is only about 15 of us and I know some of my colleagues who can work remotely are still working... I feels worthless and useless, but I thought I send an email to my employer to say thank you for getting the extra 20% from him and also just to say if there is anything I could do from home, any kind of help I'm happy to do it ! Is this stupid?

OP posts:

Hadjab · 24/04/2020 10:27

Definitely say thank you.

Go ahead and do as much prep work as you like, you eager beaver, but under no circumstances can you let your boss know that you are doing so. You’ve been furloughed, you cannot work in any capacity, as the company will be audited, and will not be able to claim the money from the scheme.

whynotchange · 24/04/2020 10:31

I'm a boss, and id really appreciate a thank you, it's bloody awful being a boss right now.

I would imagine he is stressed and if a limited business there is no directors support from HMRC so knowing you have a good team around you is what's keeping me sane.

Just a quick thank you and hope you are ok is amazing.

Ragwort · 24/04/2020 10:31

A thank you is a great idea.

No need to offer to do any work but you can use the time at home to think about new ideas and projects and when you go back, at the appropriate time, you can show that you have put some thought into your job. I am furloughed as well and making plans for when I go back, but I do have the autonomy to manage my job in the most productive way possible so it is a good time to be thinking through ideas and new initiatives.

Krong · 24/04/2020 10:31

An email would be very appreciated I'm sure, but keep the tone as one person to another, not worshipping/kissing his feet...

I'd just end the message saying "I understand I can't do any of my normal tasks, but if there are some research tasks or things you'd like me to look into, I'd be happy to volunteer to do those tasks'

RandomSelection · 24/04/2020 10:33

I think it sets a precedent that you are bit too grateful and eager to please.I don't personally think it gives a good impression.

What a sad way to look at life and everything that is wrong with some of the workforce today. I think it gives an excellent impression of a grateful employee who knows they are being treated well and is worthy of keeping their job. If I were your boss OP, I'd be chuffed you had noticed and that you had such appreciation.

midlifecrash · 24/04/2020 10:39

Yes training is allowed so you could do some online, even report back on any online training they are trialling and whether it covers what they expect

Allergictoironing · 24/04/2020 10:40

As a pp suggested, asking if there's any training or background reading you can do is permitted under furlough rules and shows that you are grateful and keen to be up to speed as soon as restrictions are lifted and you're able to go back to work.

Mia1415 · 24/04/2020 10:43

Speaking as an HR Manager (and a line manager), definitely drop a note to say thank you!

Needallthesleep · 24/04/2020 10:47

My team have been furloughed and I haven’t. So I’m picking up all their work. It’s incredibly stressful (especially as I have childcare as well). They spend their time moaning to me that they are furloughed and bored. I would love for them to send me a thank you!

Louise91417 · 24/04/2020 10:54

Perhaps just send an email to verify there hasnt been a mistake..if confirmed you have been paid 20% by your employer offer your thanks then

Sammymommy · 24/04/2020 11:01

"I'm 100% aware I can't do any work and wouldn't be bombarding them with emails. It's more like prep work/research/ideas etc for when things get back to some kind of normality and we can crack on again..."

That is still working for your company. 1) Do not do any work for you company at the moment 2) Don't contact your boss or colleagues regarding work. Or you are gonna get your boss in trouble and I can't see him being very happy about it.

Vodkacranberryplease · 24/04/2020 11:02

Well I think you sound like a great employee! I'm a boss and no one ever says thank you. Mine are all working at home and even though they aren't getting anything done (they are sales and not selling) still won't do any extra things I need - which means my workload is through the roof as I've had to furlough others.

I think you can offer to help out with projects and your boss would be thrilled! Ideas are great too - but no one ever wants to DO them, that's for the magic pixies. So if you have a way to make life easier and are prepared to set it up make the suggestion. At the very least they will see you are keen and at the most they will be so grateful. We are people too. I'm not rich and I work really hard, pay everyone fairly and do my best - but the culture of all bosses are bad means it's hard sometimes.

And they are paying you 100%! That's really quite something!!! Clearly they value you! I know I would.

Vodkacranberryplease · 24/04/2020 11:03

To add- do it from a personal email though. Or send a text, with your personal email address.

lightyearsahead · 24/04/2020 11:05

Just say thank you and that you are looking forward to getting back.
As a manager it would be nice for them to hear your thanks.

MutteringDarkly · 24/04/2020 11:07

A thank you would be lovely. As many PPs have said, you can't do any work. BUT you are allowed to do training courses. You could ask whether there is any training it would be good for you to complete while you are on furlough. This is OK to do as long as it's not generating any revenue for the employer. We are suggesting (but not enforcing of course) this to our furloughed employees, as some of them are desperately seeking a structure or something to do.

Inthemuckheap · 24/04/2020 11:14

As your company is paying you rather than the government, it's not a mistake. Lovely idea to send an email saying thank you. As an employer I would really appreciate it. You have been treated extremely well as a new starter and they sound like a great company to work for.

YappityYapYap · 24/04/2020 11:17

I'm furloughed and on 80%. I know the company can't afford to pay the 100% (I work in accounts) but to be honest, the director could have paid me off as I know it will be a long time before we're back in the game and able to generate enough income to support the business. I haven't been there for 2 years yet, just over a year so it would have been fairly easy to just pay me off with a weeks pay and the holidays I had left sitting but that didn't happen. I was also not put on furlough until I was able to say 'there is no work left for me to do'. I was able to work for full pay until that point even though I didn't have enough work for the hours I usually do. It was sort of worked for all of us on the basis that we inform him when our work had run dry then once we did, furlough kicked in and full pay stopped. Everyone was pretty honest and worked until they had nothing left to do then let him know and a letter was issued and we stopped working all at various different stages

HappySonHappyMum · 24/04/2020 11:22

I'm pleased for you - I'm furloughed and have been paid 80%. Wasn't expecting it - was led to believe I'd still be paid 100%. Pissed off because he 'employs' his wife and son as 'bookkeeper' and 'accountant' who absolutely do no work for the business (and I know this because I've worked there for 24 years). I volunteered to help out if needed and have been taken up on that offer over the last few weeks. I will not be able to 'help out' now I know how it's going to be.

Medievalist · 24/04/2020 11:27

'm 100% aware I can't do any work and wouldn't be bombarding them with emails. It's more like prep work/research/ideas etc for when things get back to some kind of normality and we can crack on again

This is still work for your company op!

RantyAnty · 24/04/2020 11:35

A short professional note would be appreciated.
I think what people mean is don't gush too much :)

Something like
I received the pay yesterday and wanted to thank you. Is there any reading or training material I can look at?

MovinOnUp · 24/04/2020 11:46

I would certainly thank your boss, Absolutely.
With regards to research for the future of the business, I would probably do that on the quiet and present it at work when you return.
You could also see if there are any online courses that would be relevant to your role and take the certificates in to discuss at your back to work meeting.

louloubelx · 24/04/2020 11:48

I think a short note to say thank you would be greatly appreciated by your boss. Something along the lines of ‘I’ve just received my pay and wanted to say thank you for you paying me the full amount. It’s really appreciated. I hope you are staying well. Looking forward to coming back when we are ready to go again’.

Sooverthemill · 24/04/2020 11:53

Definitely say thank you and how excited you were to get the job and you can't wait for lockdown to end so you can return. I think it's a courteous thing to do

CreamWhitecakes · 24/04/2020 11:53

Personally if I had work to do and got paid the full amount I would feel guilty for being furloughed especially if others are still doing their full hours.

Original poster

KatC9 · 24/04/2020 11:57

@CreamWhitecakes cheers for that. That definitely makes me feel less crap... just FYI I didn't asked to be furloughed and I would much rather do my job...

OP posts:

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