DEAR ABBY: My boss wants to do a day of community service with the staff to help others and improve relationships in the workplace. I thought it was a great idea; a lot of my co-workers were unsure and wanted more information about what specifically we would do.
My boss said she would get more information and send it out to us.
However, a few of my co-workers are outright opposed to the idea and think they shouldn’t be required to do it. A year ago when this came up, one of them said they shouldn’t have to give up their free time.
I think it’s wrong for people to turn down a chance to help others when they are able. What should I do to make sure my boss’s intentions are understood while not being off-putting or appearing holier-than-thou? — BLEEDING HEART
DEAR BLEEDING HEART: The person who should be making her intentions clear is your boss. It should not be your responsibility.
Frankly, I can see both sides of this question. Some companies do this not only to “do good,” but also to build goodwill in the community and team spirit in the office. Usually, participation is voluntary.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I think it's fine if the boss want to set it all up and offer for people to join in. But it shouldn't be mandatory.
Or, it should be on company time. Eli Lily does a day of service, the employees go out and work on a community project. One year, they literally shut down a portion of the highway for the day. They were doing clean up and planting flowers and trees.
Boss wants mandatory "volunteer" work. Boss can pay me for my time. I wouldn't do it for free at that point even if it's a cause I support. As my boss at work, you don't get to determine what I do on MY time, off the clock.
Maybe the boss should ask for volunteers instead. If it was a cause I believed in and I was asked instead of told, I just might volunteer.
well, worked with several dealers who thought they " owned " our employees--ridiculous--if you want to volunteer your employee's time/services you need to first verify that your employees are willing to volunteer
have had to float a couple of these--real quick you learn the difference between telling people to do something and ASKING them to go along
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" the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. "--edmund burke
He would be better off just requiring a day of community service from each employee that they get to choose, and giving them the day off for it. Each employee would get to choose their own project, and the boss gets to feel good about supporting it.
If he wants a team building exercise - they have workshops for that. Again, on company time.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
