Do you have a social fund at work?

[Tiger926]

I teach at a smaller highschool, so we in constant contact as a staff each and everyday. In the past, we had a social fund, not now. When someone dies, birth, etc., we just collect as we see fit. This poses problems as sometimes people feel pressured to donate when they don't want to, or, they feel pressured to donate larger amounts than they are comfortable with. The money that was collected was for gift baskets, flowers or donations. I, as well as most of the staff feel that flowers are a waste of money, as are gift baskets, so donations are a much better idea.

My hope is that we send an automatic donation and card to staff when a loved one dies in their immediate family, but some staff would rather not do so. I don't get it? I am trying to make things fair, and consistent. At this point, when a staff family member dies, whomever can go to visitation at funeral goes, and a personal donation is made by that staff member. Every other school in my board (which is many), have social funds for deaths, births and other special occasions like retirements. What do you do at your place of work?

Tiger

 

[Tinijocaro]

I teach in four elementary schools and each one has a social club. They have by-laws and everything. Cards for birthdays, gift cards or flowers for births, deaths, weddings.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

This probably won't be a popular opinion, but I'm not a huge fan of this kind of thing in the workplace. Granted, it depends on what kind of a job you have, but I don't necessarily consider my coworkers my friends.

I will always send a card. Always. And I will try my hardest to go to a funeral home for a visitation, or the hospital, or whatever. But making a monetary donation is, in my opinion, unnecessary.

I also don't think it should matter how well-off your coworkers are. (I just realized I misunderstood something you said, so I'm sure that comment makes no sense!) If it's something they choose not to participate in, I see nothing wrong with that.

Of course, I'm already making waves for refusing to join the group "boss's gift" fund because I think the asking amount is ridiculous. Like I said, I know I'm in the minority.

 

[wendy46001]

We have a fund but its not something we the employees contribute to
Each department has a small fund as part of their annual budget it provides flowers, cards etc.

When something major does happen an email goes out asking if we would like to contribute in addition

I dont think i'd like the idea of us paying for a "fund" and not a specific cause
what would happen if one year a lot of things happened? or if the money ran out?

 

[Tiger926]

This probably won't be a popular opinion, but I'm not a huge fan of this kind of thing in the workplace. Granted, it depends on what kind of a job you have, but I don't necessarily consider my coworkers my friends.

I will always send a card. Always. And I will try my hardest to go to a funeral home for a visitation, or the hospital, or whatever. But making a monetary donation is, in my opinion, unnecessary.

I also don't think it should matter how well-off your coworkers are. (I just realized I misunderstood something you said, so I'm sure that comment makes no sense!) If it's something they choose not to participate in, I see nothing wrong with that.

Of course, I'm already making waves for refusing to join the group "boss's gift" fund because I think the asking amount is ridiculous. Like I said, I know I'm in the minority.

No cards are being sent, at a staff level, and visitations only happen if people have time, so that is why I was hoping for an automatic card/donation. As it stands now, it's very haphazard, and inconsistent. I do think you misunderstood, as I didn't mention anything about how well off people are. We all work together very closely, and so people try and make it as best as possible to visitations, but during holiday times or summer vacation, this is a problem. With an automatic fund/card, that would take care of those kinds of problems.

We have a fund but its not something we the employees contribute to
Each department has a small fund as part of their annual budget it provides flowers, cards etc.

When something major does happen an email goes out asking if we would like to contribute in addition

I dont think i'd like the idea of us paying for a "fund" and not a specific cause
what would happen if one year a lot of things happened? or if the money ran out?

The specific fund would be a bereavement fund. Funds would be collected, and placed in the bank. If nothing is used one year, it rolls to the next, and if more is needed in one year, we would handle that if it happens. This probably won't happen, as we only usually have a handful of of deaths each year. That is why I, and several other staff members don't see it as a problem - it's the least we can do. It's nothing major at all. As one staff member put it today - we are some of the highest paid teachers in the country, and some staff spends a ton on coffee, so donating a bit of money each year, shouldn't be that big of a deal. My response was that everyone should be free to donate or not, and decide upon the amount, but I can understand the frustration from my colleague. The thing is, when I did the as it happens collection, I had no problem putting a large monetary donation or funeral flowers on my credit card, and, in some cases, I lost money as staff forgot to pay. My hope is to create a fair system, and one that is inclusive, but I guess some staff don't see the need for that.

Thanks for responses, Tiger

 

[stsomewhere]

I would send a sympathy card only. Just sign it yourself, not the rest of the staff.
I personally hate funerals and would never think of giving a coworker a donation or given going to the funeral of someone in their family.

I may go to the funeral if it was for the coworker. Then, I might be willing to give money for flowers.

 

[crashbb]

Sorry, but I would find it meaningless to get an "automatic card". Nor would I really have any interest in paying to the fund - I'd send my own personal card to the bereaved person.

It has nothing to do with being cheap or not wanting to spend money. It has to do with the fact that I don't think sympathy can be mandated and automated.

 

[Allison]

I don't see how a card sent automatically would really mean much to anyone. I would rather receive a personal card that someone sent because I knew they were thinking about me.

I had to deal with a similar issue today as someone had sent my staff an envelope requesting a specific amount be donated. I don't like that at all. People should give because they want to, not because everyone is expected to do the same thing.

 

[Handbag Lady]

We do individual gatherings of cards, gifts for births, and flowers if there is a death. The company pays for this, though, so there isn't any arguments. Except how big the flower arrangements should be or the gift for the shower.

But, we each have our own charities (I do CHOC that our company sponsors, my colleague does this Tri-Athalon that our company sponsors) but we also find more money by going to people we work with and begging. I have no shame when it comes to raising money.

Then, we sponsor a family at Christmas and this is where I shine. I call in work favors from everyone and I am really, really good at raising money for them. Then, I use sales and coupons to make that money stretch to give a bang-up Christmas for our picked family. I even had one of our bike-enthusiasts here build bicycles for two kids. Again, I have no shame and I know everyone's weaknesses.

 

[hambirg]

I teach at a small Catholic alternative highschool, so we in constant contact as a staff each and everyday. In the past, we had a social fund, but in the past 10 years since I've arrived, there has not been one. When someone dies, birth, etc., we just collect as we see fit. This poses problems as sometimes people feel pressured to donate when they don't want to, or, they feel pressured to donate larger amounts than they are comfortable with. The money that was collected was for gift baskets, flowers or donations. I, as well as most of the staff feel that flowers are a waste of money, as are gift baskets, so donations are a much better idea.

I used to do the collection, but stopped as I do enough around the school, and was trying to pass it on to someone else. So, since I'm not doing it anymore, no one else really has picked up the job, which is unacceptable to me. I am thinking of some staff who are very quiet as well, and don't have large families or circle of friends, so a card or donation sent on behalf of the staff, might go a long way in easing their grief a bit. So, I proposed that we start a social fund, of which I would be in charge of, and some staff was not happy with that. We had a bit of a disagreement - I am happy to take all opinions and suggestions, but some of the reasons for not doing it don't make sense to me.

My hope is that we send an automatic donation and card to staff when a loved one dies in their immediate family, but some staff would rather not do so. I don't get it? I am trying to make things fair, and consistent. At this point, when a staff family member dies, whomever can go to visitation at funeral goes, and a personal donation is made by that staff member. I had 3 immediate family members die last year (one of whom worked at my school), and my family received nothing from the staff. A few of my close friends on staff came to the funeral home and made personal donations, which was very special to me, and my Principal came to the funeral. I know that this hurt my feelings, so my hope is that no one else on staff will feel this way. This just doesn't sit well with me - I would like the staff to send an automatic card or donation, as up to this point, it's not consistent at all. A colleague just lost her aunt, so I posted the funeral info on our staff website, and staff came to me today complaining that it wasn't posted sooner. Ummm...I posted when the colleage told me that her aunt had just passed away. Seriously! I guess you can't make everyone happy...and that is why I would like to have an automatic bereavement fund set up.

Every other school in my board (which is many), have social funds for deaths, births and other special occasions like retirements. What do you do at your place of work?

Tiger

I agree with you. Like a PP said. . .it might be a teaching thing. At all the schools I've ever taught at, we had a social fund. It wasn't too much. . I think usually $20 at the beginning of the year. . .but it was funerals, birthdays and births.

My kids went to a very small Catholic school, and if this is the type of community we are talking about, I think there should be something set up. . .they are usually pretty tight knit communities.

Just one more thing. . .I think the card needs to be signed by everyone and by donation, do you mean masses? Because I think that is a nice thing. But when my Dad died, the staff gave me a gift certificate for a nearby nursery. It was really nice. My Dad was a big gardener and I was able to pick out a very nice shrub to plant in his honor. . .just a thought.

 

[hambirg]

I don't see how a card sent automatically would really mean much to anyone. I would rather receive a personal card that someone sent because I knew they were thinking about me.

I had to deal with a similar issue today as someone had sent my staff an envelope requesting a specific amount be donated. I don't like that at all. People should give because they want to, not because everyone is expected to do the same thing.

I do understand what you are saying, but I think in the OP's situation. . .it's more than just coworkers. . . .these are usually the people you go to church with too. . .it's a really tight little community usually.

From my experience, it's not just going to a job in an office. . where you may or may not know the other people much. Generally. . .it's people you work with, socialize with, worship with. . .and usually it's generational too. . .certain families have been involved for generations. At least that's my experience. . .it may not be the OP's. . .but it's the norm. So while I'm guessing many individual's do do those things. .it's still nice to get something from the "community."

 

[crashbb]

I do understand what you are saying, but I think in the OP's situation. . .it's more than just coworkers. . . .these are usually the people you go to church with too. . .it's a really tight little community usually.

From my experience, it's not just going to a job in an office. . where you may or may not know the other people much. Generally. . .it's people you work with, socialize with, worship with. . .and usually it's generational too. . .certain families have been involved for generations. At least that's my experience. . .it may not be the OP's. . .but it's the norm.

I don't get this.

If it is such a tight community, one shouldn't NEED an automated system. In the type of community you describe, I wouldn't except that very few people would come to the OP's family funerals - few enough that it hurt her feelings.

I work with a very close group of people (an academic research group). The death of a family member would definitely be acknowledged by everyone (as are births, birthdays, illnesses, whatever). But, there is no formal system. We just don't need one.

It would seem to me that such a social fund is needed in the exact opposite situation than the one you describe. I cannot imagine receiving an automated card/gift/money from my work group - I would get (and give) something specific for the person receiving it. We might group together to give it, but it wouldn't be automated.

 

[MM27]

My school used to have a sunshine club when I first started, but many people, myself included got really annoyed with how the money was being spent and we stopped paying the annual dues of $45. Eventually it was dissolved and they now just send around an envelope for various events and occassions. You donate what you want to donate and if you decide not to participate for whatever reason, nobody hounds you.

 

[scrapquitler]

Back in the dark ages (before kids) I worked in a bank. We had about 15 people working in the branch, and we did a 'sunshine fund'. Each person put in $1 per paycheck (everyother week) and we used that money to purchase a birthday cake and card for employees birthdays and other special occasions (right before someones maternity leave, right before a wedding, etc). Every employee would sign the card. For a funeral, we just did a card, no 'gift' or flowers, but someone would make sure everyone knew when the visiting hours and burial were. We kept it simple, which meant that nobody resented it (well except one person who refused to participate, but always ate the birthday cake anyway).

 

[kirstenb1]

At any job I had we did an "as needed" type collection. Meaning, if there's a birthday, we all chip in a couple of bucks for a cake a few days before. Bereavement, as many of us could go went, but we each did our own sympathy card (and added $ if an offering was appropriate.)

 

[NMAmy]

I work at a college and we have over 100 people in my department--all of whom work different days of the week and times. We have a Social Fund and I'm in charge of it.

At the beginning of each semester, I put a flyer in everyone's mailbox reminding them about the Social Fund. There is no mandatory contribution required. Those who would like to can contribute whatever amount they're comfortable contributing. Some give a couple of bucks and some give $50. Whenever I'm asked what other people give, I honestly tell them that I don't keep track and it's up to them. It really takes the pressure off.

The money is used for things like birthday cards, flowers for coworkers who are ill, flowers for coworkers who have had a death in the family and also for fun things like food for the three big mandatory meetings we have each year.

In the 8.5 years I've been in charge of the fund, I've never gotten a complaint and I really believe that is because it is not a requirement to contribute. I don't have to nag people for money which I appreciate, too. We have some folks in our department who really don't have any family and I've had them tell me that the birthday card we send is sometimes the only acknowledgement of their birthday that they get. I would fund the birthday cards myself just for that reason. All cards are put out to be signed by anyone who wanders into the office so they get lots of messages from coworkers.

I'm lucky to work with a lot of really generous people.

 

[Tiger926]

.

 

[lspst8]

My office (not a school) just started a social fund like this. I think dues are 2 or 3 dollars per pay. It's used for once a month birthday cakes, retirements, deaths, births, and weddings. You aren't required to participate, but I think most people at my office do.

I'm not at all close to anyone at my office, so I much prefer giving to a general fund that benefits everyone equally rather than donating for each separate event. I also never have cash on hand, so it is much easier for me to write one check at the beginning of the year and be done with it.

 

[soccerchick]

I work in a high school and we have a sunshine fund. $10 donation at the beginning of the year. Goes to buying flowers for deaths of immediate family members of the staff person, a gift like little spirit wear or flowers for a new baby, and flowers for a serious illness of staff member or for a wedding of a staff member.

I think that is fine. Others obviously do not feel the same as participation is about 50%. Some years it does get close to being depleted if there is a baby boom or several illnesses. It also gets dicey if you have a chronically ill or injured staff member (though not something like cancer - I'm talking car accident here, twisted ankle there, arm in sling the next month - you know the type). In the past, there has been no discrimination based on if you paid or not. The person who is in charge of the fund is leaning towards only sending flowers, etc to those who contribute. I think this is probably fine since those who don't participate are the ones who seemingly disagree with it anyway.

A co-worker that I am dear friends with will not participate. She is gay and will never get married or have kids. She sees it as something she will contribute to and never get the benefit of and I do see her point to an extent(and hope her parents live very long lives and that she doesn't get ill).

I think the main issue with the flower fund is that the parameters are clear and public. We will collect and send a, b, and c in cases of 1, 2, and 3.

It is always so interesting to see the different perspectives on issues like this.