Don't you think that's rude? Shouldn't everyone's b-day get celebrated ? (we bring in treats, etc.)
2006-10-18 08:05:00 · 18 answers · asked by Penguin Gal 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
A former workplace had a nice way to handle this. If you want to celebrate your birthday you bring in the treats, cake etc. If you do not want to celebrate or do not want anyone to know, then you do nothing.
This way no one is hurt by not being remembered and no one has to admit to having another birthday if they do not want to.
2006-10-18 08:11:37 · answer #1 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is rude, but unless you're the manager you probably can't say so. What you CAN do (should you so choose) is initiate celebrations for everyone's birthday. Pass around a calender and ask everyone to note down their birthdays (it may just be that whoever takes care of the celebrations now doesn't know everyone's special days), then put out a sign-up sheet to bring treats or decorations about a week before each birthday.
2006-10-18 18:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by kem642000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, everyone should be treated equally.
I worked in an office where the birthday girl or boy brought in treats for the day. Coworkers brought in cards and we shared the treats over break. It was up the birthday people whether or not they wanted to celebrate their birthdays. I opted out. For me, it wasn't fun. It became a chore to make treats, then some of my coworkers complained about what I brought. I did attend the other celebrations and gave cards.
Perhaps, before the beginning of the new year, there can be a staff meeting where this could be discussed.
Do those whose birthdays aren't celebrated feel left out or neglected?
Or, maybe have a day each month to celebrate birthdays. Everyone brings in treats and enjoys each others company. Give cards on the birthdays themselves. This way, everyone celebrates and no one is left out.
2006-10-18 16:42:01 · answer #3 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's rude, but probably not intended. In a large office, you can celebrate once a month (this is good so you don't miss anyone who's birthdate you didn't know). Otherwise, have your HR person send an email asking for everyone's birthdate to put on the celebration calendar (if they don't want to, they say so). I'd assign someone for the year to be sure someone is getting a card passed around and buying a cake. The person assigned doesn't have to do all the work, just be sure someone is taking care of it. For such a small office, maybe the boss will allot $50 that you can be reimbursed for?
2006-10-18 15:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by eli_star 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a good idea to celebrate birthdays of only SOME co-workers. Be the 'leader'. Collect all birthdays and inform everybody of the birthday program you have for the office. Depending on how you want to organise it (see below), make sure a reminder is sent to all of any forthcoming birthday celebrations:
1. everyone contribute a small amount of money (the same amount everytime, to be fair) to buy the necessary for the celebrations
2. everyone bring in their treats for the occasion
3. birthday cake is a must, with the cake cutting ceremony held in a convenient time for all
2006-10-19 06:29:40 · answer #5 · answered by TK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked in places that were like that. I found that the best solution that worked in a former work place was, to have someone voluntarily designated to keep track of all Birthdays of all employees. Then on pre-agreement of fellow employees, one day each month is used to announce and share treats, congrats and condolences, lol! If one steps forward and fore-warns the person in charge of Birthdays, that they do not wish to be a part of the festivities, then they can be excluded. But Adoptive Father's workplace has a great solution as well!
2006-10-18 15:29:21 · answer #6 · answered by ocean_luvin_mermaid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rude. It reminds me of high school.
Edited to add:
I use to work in an office (kinda large) and once a month a sign up list went around asking people to bring in food and treats. All that months birthdays were called up front and we'd sing and have goodies for 30 minutes or so- it was fun for all.
2006-10-18 15:11:31 · answer #7 · answered by Alison 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's the same way where I work. The reason why is because most people on staff actually like the people who's birthday we do celebrate. The people who's birthday goes unrecognized are not liked at all. It's sounds cold but it's true.
2006-10-18 16:32:53 · answer #8 · answered by GraceandMickey A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's rude, and hurtful. Someone should be in charge of tracking all birthdays, and then making sure there is a small celebration for them. This is what we do at my work.
2006-10-18 15:17:26 · answer #9 · answered by Pepper's Mommy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the person, they may not want to celebrate it. But then, who does not want cake? If they are not doing it for everyone, that is rude.
2006-10-18 15:12:54 · answer #10 · answered by cfoxwell99 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋