"The Lone Star Approach: How One Person Can Master Employee Farewells"

This particular employee, even if harbouring negative feelings towards you, has voluntarily assumed the responsibility for orchestrating the departure collection as a way to express their care. It almost appears as if they are attempting to portray themselves as a benevolent person, perhaps even convincing themselves that they are merely redistributing the funds contributed by other employees.

Would it be inappropriate to suggest that this person might contemplate using the collection funds for personal purposes or even borrowing from it? In a scenario where the collection surpasses two hundred pounds and an individual is leaving the company, it could be tempting to withdraw fifty pounds to cover groceries or outstanding debt. Who would take notice or be aware of such an act? Especially if the departing individual possesses only a ten-pound Amazon gift card, it would be rather conspicuous to pocket £190, particularly if they were well-liked within the company.

The organiser of the collection may derive satisfaction from buying gifts for others, possibly stemming from a lack of receiving many gifts during their childhood. Additionally, it provides them with a reason to step out of the office or extend their lunch break.

The Office Charity Organizer

Yet another source of annoyance is when a colleague approaches your desk, clutching an envelope and a card, soliciting donations. You find yourself compelled to contribute something and sign their card, even if you have no affinity or connection with the departing person. Occasionally, you end up with both the card and a money envelope, which you discreetly attempt to conceal, especially if the departing individual is nearby. This prompts a frantic search for the collection organizer throughout the day, as you're determined not to be responsible for misplacing the funds or succumbing to the temptation of using it for personal expenses.

What's even more exasperating is when they instruct you to rally your team to provide signatures and donations, only to later take sole credit for orchestrating the entire event. If you have only one or two pounds to spare, their disapproving gaze makes you feel as if your very existence is unwelcome. You find yourself pressured to seek out an ATM and make a more substantial contribution thereafter. If two or three employees decide to depart each month, the toll on your salary becomes increasingly apparent over the course of the year.

Another frustrating scenario arises when you genuinely care about someone who is leaving, but you find yourself being the last person in the office to sign their card because there's no room left to pen a heartfelt farewell message. In such instances, your initials may be your only recourse.

Office Farewell Ritual

Another aspect of office culture is the tradition of sending out emails inviting you and your colleagues to gather on the departing employee's final day to bid them farewell. It involves witnessing the departure of someone you've eagerly anticipated leaving, as they unwrap numerous gifts whose origins remain a mystery to you. At times, you even find yourself uncertain about whether you contributed in the form of notes or coins.

The Farewell Gathering

Following that, you'll find yourself once again receiving invitations to join the departing employee for a few drinks at a nearby bar or to hop on a Zoom call to wish them well in their new endeavour. But what if their tenure at the company was a mere six months? It all seems a bit nonsensical. You eventually succumb to the pressure, driven by a twinge of guilt, just to be part of the discussions about work once you arrive.

However, once you're there, you encounter colleagues you don't particularly get along with, and it doesn't take long for some of them to become rather tipsy after just a couple of drinks. Conversations might take an unexpected turn and, before you know it, you might unintentionally utter something you'll later regret, especially if you happened to refer to your line manager in less-than-flattering terms like "poo face."

The Resolution and Lifesaver

It's a relief to know that the era of leaving collection organizers is waning, all thanks to the advent of an online platform. Now, you can simply log in, make your contribution directly from your bank account, and even add a personalized message if you wish, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Everyone will receive an email notification from either a line manager or another colleague, and the choice to participate or disregard it is entirely yours.