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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:
BulletTrain · 22/02/2022 20:31

Depends how much. I've bought a colleague a sarnie or something when they forgot their wallet but I wouldn't agree to handing them cash.

BulletTrain · 22/02/2022 20:31

Sorry, cross-post!

TheSmallAssassin · 22/02/2022 20:31

No, it is really not a good idea, for so many reasons. Why can't the manager borrow from a bank or building society, or friends or family? What happens if they can't repay the loan, or just decide they don't want to?

LightsoftheNorth · 22/02/2022 20:32

Ah, sorry OP, you clarified whilst I was posting. In that case, no, I'd say not OK

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:34

@Gizlotsmum

Totally depends but if the lender feels uncomfortable then not ok
Yes this is the problem I defo think it’s not ok from a power perspective
OP posts:
Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:47

@Bromse it’s been highlighted as a whistleblowing issue

OP posts:
MadameFantabulosa · 22/02/2022 20:48

No, and not allowed in my workplace. Disciplinary if found out.

Loopytiles · 22/02/2022 20:49

Not OK, even and perhaps even more so if they’re friends at work.

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:50

@MadameFantabulosa

No, and not allowed in my workplace. Disciplinary if found out.
Does it explicitly state in your contract it’s not allowed @MadameFantabulosa or are you in financial industry?
OP posts:
MsMeNz · 22/02/2022 20:50

Absolutely not. Where I work that would be construed as gross misconduct.

Any promotion, pay rise or anything that happens in future could be argued as bribery used etc.

I would say the 10 pound for a train ride or forgotten lunch is ok though. Just nothing more than that.

RJnomore1 · 22/02/2022 20:50

Ah ok. Sometimes I’ve been known to borrow £5 or so for lunch if we are out and about and somewhere doesn’t take cards. In that case it’s fine and I send money straight back on the banking app.

Proper loan no it wouldn’t feel right at all.

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:53

@MsMeNz

Absolutely not. Where I work that would be construed as gross misconduct.

Any promotion, pay rise or anything that happens in future could be argued as bribery used etc.

I would say the 10 pound for a train ride or forgotten lunch is ok though. Just nothing more than that.

Yes exactly. Not good if manager in charge of rotas things like that
OP posts:
Dinoteeth · 22/02/2022 20:54

@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.

This, if its a fiver for lunch or £20 for fuel to get them home but not filling a full tank that's taking the piss.
Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 20:54

Thank you for all your replies it’s really helped clarify my thinking

OP posts:
PenCreed · 22/02/2022 20:59

@FindmeuptheFarawaytree

£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.
This has happened to me - I discovered on the way into work that i'd forgotten my purse. My deputy and one of the assistants both offered to lend me a fiver. Fortunately I had lunch with me, just no coffee that morning! But they offered, I didn't ask them. I'd probably have gone to the other manager to borrow money rather than my team if it had been necessary.
nosyupnorth · 22/02/2022 21:02

Depends on the context. A few quid for a sandwich as a one off with an assurance to pay back promptly I wouldn't think anyone of, anyone can forget their wallet and it's a kindness I would expect between any two people regardless of job.

A significant amount of money or in a circumstance when there are other more appropriate people to ask would be different.

Grumpsy · 22/02/2022 21:04

It’s unprofessional, no it is not ok

marqueses · 22/02/2022 21:05

Why is the manager even asking to borrow money from someone who reports to them who they aren't friends with? How does that even come about?

MayMorris · 22/02/2022 21:13

I agree with others, loan for lunch or a coffee…pay back next working day. But not for anything else. Ever.

Original poster
Okkie · 22/02/2022 21:19

@marqueses

Why is the manager even asking to borrow money from someone who reports to them who they aren't friends with? How does that even come about?
I know it’s terrible is it. I guess they have no boundaries? Or don’t care about them?
OP posts:
Bringsexyback · 22/02/2022 21:20

Well in pursuit of happiness Will Smith lens he’s very wealthy boss a favour and it turns out very well for him

BarbaraofSeville · 22/02/2022 21:21

It's an (admittedly unwritten) rule in my organisation that this is not allowed due to the unfair balance of power between the two parties.

The subordinate may feel unable to say no to the request and also chase payment if the manager is not forthcoming.

Totalwasteofpaper · 22/02/2022 21:22

Managers should NOT be borrowing money.
Only exception I can think off is forgetting your wallet and needing lunch…borrow a tenner and pay back next day

Anything else is not cool

burnoutbabe · 22/02/2022 21:25

@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.

Yes this.

I'd lend most people in the office £10 or so to grab some lunch.

HollaHolla · 22/02/2022 21:25

Gawd. I borrowed money from one of my team (direct reports) a couple of weeks ago, when I managed to forget my purse, and needed petrol to get home.
I gave her the £20 back the next day, though….

Can you tell us how much, and also if they approached their subordinate specifically for it?

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