Workplace woes

[Snarkles]

Hi.
I do agile working and asked for more equipment.

I was allocated this and I messaged the person who had put it aside for me to tell them I would go into the office to pick it up next week. They offered to bring it round to me at my home as they live locally, which was a very kind offer from them and was with no prompting from me.

My manager found out and was not happy. They told the person NOT to bring the equipment to me. They then emailed me and said what they had done and that it is my reponsibility to get it and not the other person's job to bring it to me. I feel annoyed by this as I did not initiate the offer and yet the manager seems to be assuming that I did and did not ask me otherwise. I feel irritated that they have gone over my head and then remonstrated with me about something I did not organise. I also think if they are over-reacting over this, what else might make them 'pull rank'? AIBU?

Why didn't you email back and explain that you didn't ask, it was offered and you didn't refuse because you wasn't aware of the work place policy? Then put it to bed.

I did tell them that was the case but they were still annoyed.

Honestly, I feel life is too short for this trivial workplace dramas.

How is your relationship with your manager generally? Was your colleague planning to take your equipment to you in working time?

It does sound like an overreaction, whatever the circumstances. There might be a health and safety/insurance reason why another employee can't deliver equipment, but your manager could have explained that if so.

It sounds like a complete overreaction.

The only think I can think of is your manager has some concerns over the trustworthiness or liability of the other employee.

The colleague was going to take it to me after work, so not in work time. Yes, it probably is a liability issue but I wish they had explained that rather than contact me like a teacher telling off a naughty child.

My managers a bit like this. I forgot to do something minor (think like put a piece of equipment away after use) and I will get a email and there will be a conversation. Then it will be brought up regularly. It was the only time in three years I'd forgotten.