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Original poster

Am I being unreasonable to contact organisers

26 replies

AppleDolphin · 08/04/2021 11:20

My work has an online Wellness Workshop coming up, absolutely lovely idea.

It's all about essential oils. Yup you know where I'm going with this.

When I heard that it was about oils, I contacted one of the organisers and asked if it was doTerra or Young Living, as they are Muli-Level Marketing (MLM).

Anyway the official invite has gone out to the whole company, and it is indeed doTerra.

So do I go back to the organiser and ask if the have done due diligence on doTerra or do I leave it be and let my colleagues be hounded by a doTerra hun?

OP posts:
steppemum · 08/04/2021 11:22

I would ask them if they have done due diligence.

Isn't MLM now illegal?

FizzyPink · 08/04/2021 11:24

I would definitely flag this with the organisers, I can’t stand MLMs. I also doubt they’d want their workforce flogging essential oils on the side

VladmirsPoutine · 08/04/2021 11:37

This would be such a PITA! Go back to the organiser.

TirisfalPumpkin · 08/04/2021 11:39

100% flag it, MLMs are not ethical and people shouldn’t be preyed on by pyramid scheme reps at a work ‘wellness’ event.

4PawsGood · 08/04/2021 11:40

And if it’s online it seems pretty pointless to it even be able to smell them.
So as well as being a MLM sales effort, it’ll be boring and pointless.

MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 08/04/2021 11:41

My money's on the organiser already being a #BossBabe #livingherbestlife.

Original poster
AppleDolphin · 08/04/2021 12:23

Thing is I already raised their awareness that this is a MLM before the invite went out!

They are just young girls starting off in their careers and I'm just the middle aged harridan who knows fuck all.

It's isn't them that's the #bossbabe but one of their friends. They've obviously drunk the Koo-Aid or more probably drunk the essential oils!

This is the first Online Wellness they've arranged, and just hate popping their balloon.

I might send the link of the Netflix (Un)Well which is specifically about essential oils and doTerra.

Bet the #bossbabe can't believe her luck! I just feel sorry for all involved.

OP posts:
UrAWizHarry · 08/04/2021 12:26

Absolutely flag it up and suggest that, whilst such initiatives are very welcome that an actual mental health professional runs it rather than some twat trying to sell shit.

MangoBiscuit · 08/04/2021 12:32

Eugh! My last office did a Wellness Week, before covid, which was lovely. All the offices were given a budget, and had to arrange something each day. We had a yoga session, free fruit, dieticians came in and gave a talk, etc Our office manager did an amazing job with it.

The main organiser from head office assumed that all the branches were going to buy some of Arbonne shite to gift to employees. We declined, and she really pushed it. Turns out she'd already bought it to sell on, assuming everyone would submit, and she ended up with a bunch of over stock, and blamed us. Cheeky fuck.

TurquoiseDragon · 08/04/2021 12:33

Absolutely flag it up. Because there's no chance they'll miss out on selling to people or even recruiting, and I can't see any sensible company wanting that.

PriestessofPing · 08/04/2021 12:33

It’s not a wellness event now is it, it’s a marketing presentation so they need telling. It’s really
not ethical to dress up selling products under the banner of ‘wellness’ especially at work!

daisypond · 08/04/2021 12:37

Absolutely flag it. It’s unethical and will likely end up damaging people’s mental health if they get sucked in. It’s not a wellness event either. If the company wants to promote good wellbeing, they can sign people up to Headspace or something.

Devlesko · 08/04/2021 13:31

Well you obviously have a job just like those who work for MLM's.
How would you like your benefit stopped because you didn't go for a job as an Avon rep, juicy whatever, or any other MLM.
You need something to worry about.
YABVVVU.

emilyfrost · 08/04/2021 13:35

@Devlesko MLM schemes aren’t jobs - they’re scams.

HollyGoLoudly1 · 08/04/2021 13:37

@Devlesko

Well you obviously have a job just like those who work for MLM's. How would you like your benefit stopped because you didn't go for a job as an Avon rep, juicy whatever, or any other MLM. You need something to worry about. YABVVVU.
Huh? Are you saying the Job Centre forces people to apply for MLM roles? I thought MLM 'workers' were all technically self-employed?
CuriousaboutSamphire · 08/04/2021 13:37

You actually get advised against any of them @Devlesko

They aren't jobs. They are buy in scams.

daisypond · 08/04/2021 13:37

@Devlesko

Well you obviously have a job just like those who work for MLM's. How would you like your benefit stopped because you didn't go for a job as an Avon rep, juicy whatever, or any other MLM. You need something to worry about. YABVVVU.
The company has a duty of care towards its employees. If the organiser also works at the company, there’s no need to exploit the co-workers by selling them rubbish. If somehow an outside agency has got their hooks in, the organiser needs to be told.
funnylittlefloozie · 08/04/2021 13:38

@Devlesko

Well you obviously have a job just like those who work for MLM's. How would you like your benefit stopped because you didn't go for a job as an Avon rep, juicy whatever, or any other MLM. You need something to worry about. YABVVVU.
Do what? Its a bit early in the day for drinking, isnt it?

MLMs are a load of rubbish, and in the situation the OP is talking about, completely pointless and unethical. I would be making a fuss to the organiser as well.

Returnoftheowl · 08/04/2021 13:43

@steppemum

I would ask them if they have done due diligence.

Isn't MLM now illegal?

Unfortunately no, they are not illegal. Pyramid schemes are illegal...but MLM are technically not pyramid schemes as an actual product exists for sale.

I would flag it up, they are unethical and shouldn't be brought into the workplace under the guise of wellness.

RonSwansonsChair · 08/04/2021 13:45

I don't understand Devlesko comment Confused
Anyway OP, you would be right to raise it - can't see any company worth its salt doing this.

Hollyhocksarenotmessy · 08/04/2021 13:55

Bringing in a friend to do an MLM event may well break company rules. Doubly so if they will receive personal benefit from this (hostess gifts). Can you check this with HR?

Racoonworld · 08/04/2021 14:05

Definitely raise it. MLMs re unethical and I doubt your company would want to be associated with them.

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 08/04/2021 14:09

Definitely put in a formal objection to this. For ALL of the good reasons above.

Are the women doing it related or friends wuth the organiser?

Original poster
AppleDolphin · 08/04/2021 17:12

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p076n2hg

Devlesco I'm guessing from your post that maybe you or a friend are involved with this MLM. Unfortunately this is not way to make money, no matter how hard you try.

I would advise you to watch the above video (hope it works in the App), and hope you haven't invested too much time or money in this scam.

OP posts:
Devlesko · 08/04/2021 17:32

No I don't have a friend involved, but I do know people who have been sanctioned for not taking these jobs, the job centre expects you to if they are advertised.
Lately I've seen several advertised, I'm not quite that desperate yet, but of course you make money from it.
HMRC, and job centres class them as employment possibilities.
So, objecting to somebody doing a job they probably have no choice but to do, is a bit mean.

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