So my coworkers won't chip on for dept pitch ins?

Question

I am the one in charge of event cordinating for my dept. and as birthdays roll around I ask everyone to chip in $3 to help pay for the cost of the cake. Well most people won't chip in and then I get stuck paying most of the cost myself. Would it be rude to get a smaller cake and tell people who haven't chipped in that they aren't welcome to any? I have hounded them before and brought it up to my supervisor, but my boss is a flake too.

It's a supervisor issue because she is the one who appointed me the job of getting the cakes for birthdays......we have a team of 15, but we do one cake per month and do everyones monthly birthdays together, so it's 7 months out of the year I ask for $3 a person.

Answer 1

The only way to do this is, in my opinion, keep track of who donates what $$ to the "cake fund", purchase a batch of cupcakes commensurate to the amount of $$ donated, then present the b-day cupcakes to the birthday boys/girls who have paid for their month and leave the others out. Freeloading office mates are by no means automatically entitled to goodies purchased out of your pocket money.

Maintain records of who donated what so, if asked, you can provide objective data supporting your decision to purchase cupcakes for the participating birthday boys/girls instead of a sheet-cake for the entire office...freeloaders included. It'll save you a ton of angst (and $$) while you'll still be recognizing those office mates who have the participation spirit.

Answer 2

I would get the money before you get the cake. If you don't have enough money for a cake, then get the birthday person a nice card and tell the folks sorry there isn't a cake because enough people didn't chip in to get one. Depending on how much money is raised, you might get some chips and dip. If there isn't enough money then I would just get the card and divide the leftover money between those who did chip in.

Answer 3

Where I once worked, a little box was beside the cake that said " That you for your cake donation". It usually covered the cost of the cake. Many people have good intentions, some don't have the correct change on them,some are embarrassed to only have $2.00... and so forth. But every little dime adds up. Give it a try before vacating your post as event coordinator.

Answer 4

People may fail to chip in for many different reasons. I work at one of those places where, almost every week, I am asked to contribute a dollar or five for one thing or another. Birthday cakes, flowers for a passed love one, thank-you gift for the janitor. Most of the time, I do not contribute.

I don't pitch in for cakes because I have no intention of eating any of them. I don't send flowers to the funeral of someone whose name I didn't even know. I don't contribute to a group thank-you gift because, if I want to give something, I want it to be personal from me.

I understand that you are trying to be nice and make your workplace fun, but it is a place of business, not a charity and not a party. If you wish to buy a cake for your friend, then by all means, do so. But don't expect other people to share the financial burden for a virtual stranger to them.

Perhaps you could simply go smaller -- buy an cupcake, or one of those small ones that serve two to three people, to give to or share with your friend. Or if nobody remembers YOUR birthday, perhaps yo could simply accept that your attempts at niceness are unappreciated, and you can focus your attentions elsewhere.

Answer 5

I would recommend setting up a rotation. One that we used at another place I worked was that whoever just had a birthday became responsible for getting a cake for the next person who had one. That way, you feel guilty if you've just gotten a cake (more likely to participate) and you only have to buy one cake per year. You could still be the go to person or coordinator to ensure it gets done but you won't have to collect money every time or buy the cake yourself. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I too tired of this when I worked at a previous business. I don't have children and I was constantly accosted to buy whatever was the fundraising flavor of the day.

At the next job each person was asked to contribute X amount into the employee fund. The amt. you contribute depends on the number of employees. There were written guidelines as to how much would be spent for funeral flowers, birthdays,baby showers, graduations, etc. If a person did not pay in they didn't get anything.

Answer 7

Just don't get a cake at all. It's a nice thought but if not everyone is willing to help then there's not point because then you get into the isse of if those people who don't pitch in get a cake on their birthday. It seems to complicated and just asking for drama if you ask me. If anyone asks why you don't get birthday cakes anymore just tell the truth that not enough people were willing to be involved.

Answer 8

Some people just don't want to contribute and they are under no obligation. In this case they should not be included in the celebration. Bringing the matter to the boss does not make sense, he has no right to force someone to contribute. Birthdays are private affairs, and they are voluntary. If you end up paying for the cake stop doing it. Problem solved.

Answer 9

Well, then stop doing it!

Personally I think this kind of thing is inappropriate for work, and this is a large reason why.

Prehaps these people don't have the extra cash. I don't know how big your department is, but I certainly wouldn't want to pay 3 EVERYTIME someones birthday rolled around.

Answer 10

I agree, stop doing it at all.

If "most" people won't chip in, it is obvious they don't want to be involved. Telling them they are not welcome to any cake is just going to start a lot of goofy gossip and stupid comments around the office.

Use your hard earned money for your friends/family who appreciate your kindness.

If one of the co-workers is a good friend of yours, give them a BD card and offer to take them to a cheap but cheerful lunch - just the two of you.