A discussion has unfolded on the social network Threads about the practice in work teams of chipping in for colleagues' birthdays and anniversaries. Users discuss whether this is a pleasant tradition or an unwritten obligation that is hard to refuse.
Discussion participants share experiences from different companies. In some teams, participation is completely voluntary — those who want to contribute do so, and gifts are formed from the total amount, often with the addition of flowers or an envelope. In others, the "collections" extend to the entire shift or team.
"We don’t chip in as a large group, but only among our small team — really just 4 people who are always together. We contribute 10 euros each and give a symbolic gift card. It’s nice, but without excess. The birthday person brings a small cake."
At the same time, some note that such practices are not always perceived unambiguously. There are situations when employees feel excluded if they do not participate, or are surprised that their colleagues did not chip in for their celebration in their absence.
Other users write that in their companies, the tradition is gradually fading or becoming more flexible: congratulations become individual — with flowers, cake, or small gifts.
There is also an opinion that a simple format is sufficient — a general tea party with cake, without regular collections of money for each occasion.
There are those who explained how they eradicated this tradition in their team.
janasauliite: "With great difficulty, but I have eradicated this annoying tradition in my team."
glucci.mond (author): "How did you manage to do that, if it’s not a secret?"
janasauliite: "By loudly stating and providing real arguments. For example, if there are 20+ people in the team, it means that we have to chip in at least twice a month. That’s real money taken from each employee’s family budget. Plus, the birthday person has to think about treats for 20 people — that’s an additional burden. It’s better for them to have the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, rather than think about who to buy a cake for — family or colleagues. That’s just part of the arguments."
krischo89: "I thought no one would ask 😀 I’m very annoyed by collective congratulations. I don’t like giving or chipping in, usually just when I have no money (yes, I live paycheck to paycheck). And then one person chips in almost 10 euros, while another contributes nothing at all. Plus these "performances" with food elements — who will bring pretzels or pizza and how much. I don’t even celebrate at home with relatives or friends. With the kids, we eat a small cake — and that’s it. If it weren’t for reminders on Facebook, no one would congratulate anyone 100%."
glucci.mond (author): "Aha! I had that too — living paycheck to paycheck. I can’t even spare those 5 euros that would be useful for something edible, and then people look at me sideways."
