To expect staff to keep this day free, even if not contracted to work?

[Newyeargrinch]

Senior manager in a small business that has just paid out a considerable amount of money to sponsor a local event towards the end of the year (think Xmas fair). This could potentially bring in a lot of good publicity and business for us. The success of the event depends on having plenty of staff present to represent us. The event is on a Saturday. Some staff work Saturday anyway, some alternate Saturdays. Others are weekday only, some full time, others part time. I know full well that if we asked for volunteers or left until nearer the time, certain staff would come up with reasons why they couldn't help. Therefore an email has gone out to all staff, informing them of the date and saying we expect them to keep it free to attend this event (they will get an extra day off in lieu). Several staff replied to say they didn't know their plans that far ahead as yet but, if free, would be happy to help. We've replied that, if they have nothing planned, they can keep the day free and will be expected to help.

It has been fed back that many staff are unhappy and say that we cannot dictate what they do with their spare time.

I think it's a small ask, they've had 10 months notice and it could bring a lot of extra business our way, ultimately benefiting them!

AIBU?

I'd tell you to get stuffed.

Sell your soul you mean.

So don't?!?!

Just because you work in a job that you perhaps don't like much, not every job is like that.

I worked for some amazing employers who treated all staff at all levels with the upmost respect, and if they asked for staff to attend something like this, most who could, would.

I've also done fundraising for local events too, it and it's very much appreciated when small local companies agree to sponsor, so why shouldn't they get some publicity from it?!? It's not exactly FREE publicity as they pay a lot towards an event!

@RatatouillePie the whole point is the OP and @likethislikethat think that people should agree against their will!

If they accepted, no I don't want to, it wouldn't be an issue would it!

I agree with you, @RatatouillePie - when an employer treats their employees with the utmost respect, those employees are far more likely to go the extra mile for their employer. But it doesn’t sound as if this is the case for @Newyeargrinch - they have told their employees that they have to keep a Saturday in December free, even i they are NOT contracted to work that day!

That does not look like any respect to me, let alone utmost respect.

You didn't, hence the use of the word "perhaps".

No need to be rude.

Don’t make assumptions. I didn’t say anywhere I was unhappy in my job.

thanks