Opinions on work endorsed charities

[Maleficent13]

My company endorses one particular charity. They do a "drive" every year about this time. They hand out pledge sheets, appoint "representatives" among the employees, and even offer payroll deductions for contributions.

My problem is this: they have become quite commando about it this year. You have to initial a list stating that you received a pledge sheet. If you do not, they will send one to your house via certified mail. Your department representative has to then initial a list that you returned it. If you do not, they harrass (my word) you for it. If you do turn it in, they attach a sign to the outside of your cube or office stating that you donated. It is readily apparent to everyone as they walk through the office who has pledged and who hasn't. Many upper-level management people do walk through and do note who has and who has not donated.

When I objected to this to my boss, as I felt it was almost being made a mandatory donation (oxymoron), she stated to me that she didn't care; the employees should support that charity because they in turn give our company some money for community service projects.

My employees are not rich people; they barely make it paycheck to paycheck as it is. I feel this strong-arming by the company is wrong. Does anyone else have any feelings about this?

 

[padams]

DH and I previously worked for large firms that had similar policies of "mandatory donations". We both hated it.

My first boss told me to give early and small- just a token amount to get my name off the list quickly. Companies usually have a monetary goal. If you pledge early while they are still getting pledge cards out, your amount given won't be scrutinized as much as it would be later in the campaign when they are focused on reaching the monetary goal.

DH and I now own our own business and we agreed that we would never force our employees to contribute to a charity. We don't participate in any of those type of fundraising campaigns.

 

[KristaTX]

Sounds like it. I used to work for a school district that worked with such an organization. Probably the same organization you are talking about. It wasn't as bad as what you are talking about, but the district did attempt to have a high percentage of employee participation. I have other organizations I give my money to. Before I decided to just say "No", I did give a donation to that organization one year. But I actually called the local branch of the organization to find out what some of their policies were before I did.

If you really want to show them, donate some money to an organization you genuinely care about or are involved with. Then make your own sign to hang outside your office .

 

[DawnCt1]

I absolutely agree. When I first started working at a hospital years ago, I felt very pressured. The director of nursing called all new employees in and made it clear that she expected everyone to participate in the United Way. I was young and didn't dare NOT too. Now I work in a company that I worked 'FOR' for 16 years, but we were outsourced to a company that works out of the area. How I LOVE deleting those fund raising messages on my voice mail.