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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it ok for a Manager to borrow money from a subordinate?

97 replies

Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:22

Just that really. I could add more but will keep it simple. Is it ever OK for two adults to loan money between them? Or is it an abuse of power? Or are there any other factors which may change the answer?

[Title edited by MNHQ at OP's request]

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 22/02/2022 20:24

Who is lending and who is borrowing as the title doesn't make sense?

NotYourOscarSpeech · 22/02/2022 20:24

Do you mean for a subordinate to borrow money from their manager? Or the manager to borrow it from the subordinate?

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:24

Forgot this bit
YABU it’s ok to lend money
YANBU it’s not ok to lend money

OP posts:
1000yellowdaisies · 22/02/2022 20:24

I think it depends... are they close friends privately outside of work?

There's always the odd exception but in general i would say its inappropriate... leaves the manager wide open to accusations of abuse of power, coercion, pressure etc

Shoxfordian · 22/02/2022 20:24

It’s not ideal in a work context
The employee might feel bad asking the manager for the money back. The manager earns more so shouldn’t be borrowing from the employee anyway.

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:25

Sorry 😫 manager has asked subordinate if the subordinate will lend them some money

OP posts:
nearlyspringyay · 22/02/2022 20:25

Who is borrowing from who?

Whatsonmymindgrapes · 22/02/2022 20:25

Who is lending!? You can’t lend from. Do you mean a manger is borrowing money from a subordinate?

balalake · 22/02/2022 20:25

I don't think it is a good idea, between two work colleagues at all.

BorsetshireBanality · 22/02/2022 20:25

Do you mean borrow money from a subordinate or lend money to a subordinate?

No to either.

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:26

@1000yellowdaisies

I think it depends... are they close friends privately outside of work? There's always the odd exception but in general i would say its inappropriate... leaves the manager wide open to accusations of abuse of power, coercion, pressure etc
I did think this may change peoples opinions but in this instance no they are not close friends outside of work
OP posts:
dementedpixie · 22/02/2022 20:27

@Okkie

Sorry 😫 manager has asked subordinate if the subordinate will lend them some money
I'd say No Bad idea
LightsoftheNorth · 22/02/2022 20:27

I don't understand;

Is it ever OK for a manager to lend money from a subordinate

Do you mean 'Is it ever OK for a manager to borrow money from a subordinate'

Or
'Is it ever OK for a manager to lend money to a subordinate'?

Cstring · 22/02/2022 20:27

You have mixed up lending and borrowing!
To answer it’s really inappropriate and will lead to issues and in imbalance in the working relationship.

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:27

I’m so sorry about the title - I will ask MN to edit

Manager is borrowing from subordinate

OP posts:
BorsetshireBanality · 22/02/2022 20:27

Manager who gets paid more is asking to borrow?
What’s it for - gambling?
Why can’t the manager get an advance on their pay?

BluebellsGreenbells · 22/02/2022 20:27

Depends if they are friends and how much.

If the manager forgets his wallet and asks to borrow some money for lunch or petrol I think that’s fine.

If the manager asked for £200 to pay some bills that’s not fine.

negomi90 · 22/02/2022 20:27

No. Personal loans between people who work together especially if there is a power imbalance between them.

MrsTerryPratchett · 22/02/2022 20:28

No one should be borrowing or lending money at work. The only possible vaguely OK version is an employee asking for a time limited advance on their wages.

And even that's a nightmare.

Bromse · 22/02/2022 20:28

@Okkie

Sorry 😫 manager has asked subordinate if the subordinate will lend them some money
Presumably they are friends and the manager will be able to pay the money back.

I'd have to know the situation better to form an opinion; generally it is better not to but friends do sometimes help each other out. Why does anyone else have to know?

HadEnoughOfBears · 22/02/2022 20:29

@BluebellsGreenbells

Depends if they are friends and how much.

If the manager forgets his wallet and asks to borrow some money for lunch or petrol I think that’s fine.

If the manager asked for £200 to pay some bills that’s not fine.

I agree with this
DirtyDancing · 22/02/2022 20:29

I was once tried to lend a manager £5 when they needed it for a gift contribution. She politely refused when I asked why she said she was once told never to borrow money from a junior (in hierarchical terms) colleague.

It's suck with me so I think best not to from an etiquette perspective.

Mind you maybe I'm just strange. I felt stressed for two weeks when I borrowed £2 off someone at a hobby I go to as I forgot my purse and wanted to contribute to a charity collection. Couldn't wait to give it back the following week and they were on holiday Grin

FindmeuptheFarawaytree · 22/02/2022 20:30

£5 or £10 if they've forgotten their purse and have no lunch would be no problem, other than that it's probably not a good idea.

Gizlotsmum · 22/02/2022 20:30

Totally depends but if the lender feels uncomfortable then not ok

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:31

@BorsetshireBanality

Manager who gets paid more is asking to borrow? What’s it for - gambling? Why can’t the manager get an advance on their pay?
Exactly - it isn’t good is it. And we’re not talking £10 for lunch money either
OP posts: