To stop giving money? (Work)

[Onoorew]

Where I work it is quite hierarchical. I am seen as reasonably high up the pecking order but I only earn 65k. We constantly have emails circulated asking for money for birthdays, leaving dos, qualification events, arrival of new baby, Mat leave gift and more recently a paternity leave whip round. In November I had five emails asking for money. This isn’t unusual. If I don’t respond I am chased on the instant messenger . I have a child at nursery and a single parent and I literally don’t have money to throw at things like this! AIBU to think this is very unreasonable and the company should put a stop to it?

If you're high up I would propose a change in policy. So..,,
•leaving dos - yes
•maternity & paternity - something from the company only like a bunch of flowers and a card
•birthdays - no
•everything else - no

or circulate a tickbox feedback form asking what people are happy to contribute to.

I agree, implement a tin/envelope policy. This way people can put in what they feel like and it's all anonymous.

I'd expect EVERYONE would be grateful that this was reviewed.

I'm mid at my job. I'm skint. I give £5 if it's someone I work closely with. I don't donate if it's someone I barely know.

Great idea. You could propose this or even get up a petition. A card with a thoughtful message from colleagues is enough to remember people by. If individuals or a small group of close colleagues who know the person specially well want to present a small gift, that's up to them.
I'd suggest that rather than have whip-rounds for the actual cards, there's a call for a volunteer to buy one each time. They don't need to be expensive.