Ask the expert: Don't be a killjoy at work

Q: I have just become supervisor of unit in another location from where I have worked before. It is a fairly large group, about 30 staff, and it seems like every week or two there is a small collection for a gift and then a request for the unit to host a morning or afternoon tea, usually for birthdays.

I'm really not interested in having my own birthday celebrated, and I think it is unprofessional to be having personal celebrations at work.

On the other hand, I am new to this location, and I don't want to seem like a scrooge by just shutting down the practice entirely, so I was thinking about setting a date at the end of each month, when we could celebrate as a group any events, achievements or birthdays that month and get on with work the rest of the time. What do you think?

A: Hold that scrooge thought. Work is part of life, and many employees spend more time with co-workers than any other group of friends or family.

I can't see anything particularly wrong with having personal celebrations at work if they are part of the existing culture, and if they don't pose health and safety risks, compromise security or work against requirements.

If it's combined with existing break structures, you are losing very little time, in any event, and good relationships among co-workers often contribute to productivity.

Lumping all the events into one break a month means no one is individually recognised, and celebrations become routine rather than special recognition.

Most workplaces are moving toward more celebrations of improvements, innovations and achievements, not fewer.

As a new manager in that location, there must be many more areas where you can make a much more positive contribution than shutting down birthdays.

If you don't want your own birthday celebrated, just don't tell anyone the date.

Employment Relations Service

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