Page 8 | To not have bought my team easter eggs..

BlueOverYellow · 15/04/2022 11:21

Sounds like too much responsibility and ridiculous expectations for a mere extra £8 per day.

I'd be job hunting quietly.

Alwayspaintyournails · 15/04/2022 11:21

@Blossomtoes

It’s piss poor that they’ve asked but I used to buy my team chocolate for Easter/Christmas and the odd ice cream on a hot day.

Exactly this. The fact that they asked would save me from feeling guilty!

SilverDoe · 15/04/2022 11:23

Surely regardless of whether people are happy to buy easter eggs or not, or if it's done in other teams or not, what matters is that you've only been there 2 weeks, you've not built up the rapport and working relationship at this point where it wouldn't be seen as a bit weird, surely?

And the fact that they outright asked you is really grabby and defeats the purpose of it being a nice gesture on your part.

I would definitely not buy the eggs at all, but maybe some occasion further away like Christmas or something, I'd probably factor in buying them a very small treat each, like a tiny Lindt bear.

Tilltheend99 · 15/04/2022 11:23

lol I was just discussing with DH about his work not doing it this year! I think getting eggs would be nice but you should only do it if your company is paying for it out of their budget.

AlisonDonut · 15/04/2022 11:29

@ZoyaTheDestroyer

There is no point asking MN a question that is totally dependent on your workplace culture.

Speaking as someone who was promoted to a leadership role with a lot of responsibility at a similar age to you, the fact that you even mention your age suggests that you do think it is a bit of an excuse. You have to let go of this and focus on the gaps in your knowledge and skills. Ask your employer for training if you need it.

Training on whether to get Easter eggs for the team or not?

Come the fuck on!

Praxoulla007 · 15/04/2022 11:29

I have 10 team members. At Easter, they get Easter eggs, at Xmas, they get a gift worth approx 50 quid each and at Valentines, they all get huge chocolate hearts and I buy a birthday cake whenever it is one of their birthdays. My friends think I am mad but I have to say, no-one has left in 5 years and they have honestly helped me out A LOT when I have had kids off sick, parents sick, had to do a school run at the last minute or leave for whatever reason or take holiday at unexpected times. Its give and take in my view and when i was in their position, i wish someone did that for me

BundtCake · 15/04/2022 11:31

If it's part of the company culture I would have just bought everyone a creme egg or something. It's not the money, it's the gesture.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 15/04/2022 11:31

Obviously fucking not @AlisonDonut. Training on leadership and management skills as relevant to her job so that OP doesn’t feel she has to justify herself by saying ‘I’m only 24’ because it’s quite clear that this isn’t about Easter eggs. It’s about OP’s lack of confidence in her new role and her team’s lack of respect for her.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 15/04/2022 11:36

@Praxoulla007

I have 10 team members. At Easter, they get Easter eggs, at Xmas, they get a gift worth approx 50 quid each and at Valentines, they all get huge chocolate hearts and I buy a birthday cake whenever it is one of their birthdays. My friends think I am mad but I have to say, no-one has left in 5 years and they have honestly helped me out A LOT when I have had kids off sick, parents sick, had to do a school run at the last minute or leave for whatever reason or take holiday at unexpected times. Its give and take in my view and when i was in their position, i wish someone did that for me

You spend £500 from your own pocket on your team at Christmas?

Autumn42 · 15/04/2022 11:36

@M00cow

Hello,

I have recently had a promotion at work and now line manage 6 others. The increase in pay only works out to be about £8 a day compared to a big increase in workload/responsibility (I say that because its hardly like im suddenly earning a fortune). I have also only been in this role for 2 weeks so haven't even received my first payslip yet.

However, i have had several comments from my team this week about Easter eggs...pointing out that other managers had bought their staff one and when was I going to do the same. Some of these comments came across really sarky and it has made me feel quite bad for not buying any! It hadn't even crossed my mind tbh and money is tight at the best of times.

I suppose my AIBU is am I being mean for not buying a team of adults (older than myself) an Easter egg when I'm very newly in this role? Or do they need to grow up? Half tempted to go to the shops now and try to pick something up for tuesday because I feel guilty!

Thoughts please

Suppose it depends what kind of manager you want to be

thegcatsmother · 15/04/2022 11:37

I'm better off financially than my LM and would be horrified if she felt she had to buy Easter Eggs for the 11 members of our team, as she is on the bones of her arse some months. I'd rather she paid her rent, and made sure she could feed her daughter, herself and her cat.

Praxoulla007 · 15/04/2022 11:43

@ZoyaTheDestroyer - yes, I do and its worth every penny. I have a lot of respect for them (ranging from 26 to 62 years old), they work hard and I really love my job and I really hope they are happy there. Its not about the money, it's about respect. My father always did the same with his employees before he retired and he is one the happiest people I know.

ThinWomansBrain · 15/04/2022 11:46

I don't recollect ever being given easter eggs at work - in 2020 the org I worked for regularly sent out post box brownies etc, so there probably was something around easter.
I do usually do something at Christmas time - I guess if all managers do it in your organisation, then maybe do it next year, and Christmas. Agree that it can be doable for around £1 per head, or a communal "in the office" treat. It is worth it for the goodwill it can bring - although must admit I did it last year for a very new-to-me team - then walked out early in Feb because I couldn't be arsed to manage a bunch of lazy whingy twats.

LoveSpringDaffs · 15/04/2022 11:52

@M00cow

It's irrelevant what other people/companies do. Totally. It's the culture at your workplace, so yes, you should have done it. No, they're not 6, but it's pretty universal to like to feel appreciated, and this is one way it's done at your workplace. If the other managers do it & you don't, it will have made them feel unappreciated.

Shame really as for £2 per person you could have made them feel appreciated & on side..

The 'I'm only new , I'm only blah blah' is all irrelevant, unless you feel they can ignore anything you say as their new manager as you're only new ...?!?!

It's too late now, you missed the opportunity. I suggest you find a way to show your appreciation sometime soon.

If you think the extra work/responsibility is worth more than £8 per day, you should have negotiated for it.

VyeBrator · 15/04/2022 11:54

Very good point. I know I do need to toughen up a bit. I am only 24 (not an excuse I know) and this is my first management role so still lots to learn (including workplace easter etiquette apparently)

I think the first thing you need to learn is to stop putting things like this on public internet forums. If it's spotted by your team (and there's no reason why it shouldn't be), you'll end up the laughing stock of the company.

SirChenjins · 15/04/2022 11:55

Oh fgs, don’t be so silly 🙄

Twospaniels · 15/04/2022 11:56

Ridiculous!
Are the members of your team 6 years old?

Sloth66 · 15/04/2022 11:57

I’d have bought just a small egg each. You’ve only just started your job, but it’s about goodwill

WirlyWillowtree · 15/04/2022 11:57

Many moons ago I’d occasionally buy my team Crunchies, for work well done, or to end an awful week. Not regular, just a Thank Crunchie it’s Friday (yes I’m old!).

How about hot cross buns instead. People do like to be appreciated but I wouldn’t be bullied into buying things.

AlisonDonut · 15/04/2022 11:58

Suppose it depends what kind of manager you want to be

One that assumes the people she is managing are grown up and not in need of Easter Eggs?

LightSpeeds · 15/04/2022 11:58

If other managers have done it then it sets up an expectation; if you haven't followed suit, it might look bad on you and isn't a great start to your new job role and the relationship with your team.

katepilar · 15/04/2022 12:00

I think its sick to expect Easter eggs from your manager. ANd very childish to talk about it as you describe. Its not a nursery class. And it certainly shouldnt come out of your own pocket. If its the culture in your organisation, there should be money provided for this.

LeftFootForward · 15/04/2022 12:00

Remind your team that you aren't their mummy and tell them to get a grip !!

Blossomtoes · 15/04/2022 12:01

@LeftFootForward

Remind your team that you aren't their mummy and tell them to get a grip !!

Yup, that’ll work. All kinds of goodwill and going the extra mile will ensue from that.

YvanEhtNiojYvanEhtNioj · 15/04/2022 12:02

They probably don't even care about the eggs, they're probably just jealous of your promotion and looking for any little thing to complain about.