I work in an office where folks sometimes bring in birthday cakes, desserts and other goodies to share. "Dolores" is always the first in line, and helps herself to a large portion of the treats and says she's taking some home for her family.
Last week, someone brought in an exotic dessert and I got out the dessert-sized paper plates. Dolores took out two regular-sized paper plates and cut off a quarter of the entire dessert! No one could believe it, but we didn't know what to say or do. One time, she actually cut a huge portion of someone's birthday cake to take home before the "birthday boy" even got a slice. This woman is not poor. What do you recommend? -- "DESSERTED" IN TENNESSEE
I think either Delores doesn't realize that her actions are socially unacceptable or she just plain out doesn't care. I take the side that communication is key with any kind of dispute. However, in a work environment confrontation can be uncomfortable and cause rifts between co-workers. If you don't feel it is your place to talk to Delores directly about her "hoarding", I would take the more passive-aggressive stance and have the administrative assistant/secretary send out a general email to all employees about food and break-room etiquette. It can be written as a reminder to general clean up guidelines along with taking single servings of treats brought into the office to make sure everyone has a chance to get a helping. An addition of, "whatever food is left over at the end of the day is free game for taking home is a respectable action", would give Delores the "go ahead" to take some home after everyone has had an opportunity to their fair share.
Last week, someone brought in an exotic dessert and I got out the dessert-sized paper plates. Dolores took out two regular-sized paper plates and cut off a quarter of the entire dessert! No one could believe it, but we didn't know what to say or do. One time, she actually cut a huge portion of someone's birthday cake to take home before the "birthday boy" even got a slice. This woman is not poor. What do you recommend? -- "DESSERTED" IN TENNESSEE
I think either Delores doesn't realize that her actions are socially unacceptable or she just plain out doesn't care. I take the side that communication is key with any kind of dispute. However, in a work environment confrontation can be uncomfortable and cause rifts between co-workers. If you don't feel it is your place to talk to Delores directly about her "hoarding", I would take the more passive-aggressive stance and have the administrative assistant/secretary send out a general email to all employees about food and break-room etiquette. It can be written as a reminder to general clean up guidelines along with taking single servings of treats brought into the office to make sure everyone has a chance to get a helping. An addition of, "whatever food is left over at the end of the day is free game for taking home is a respectable action", would give Delores the "go ahead" to take some home after everyone has had an opportunity to their fair share.
Another good answer. :)
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