Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
I’m growing increasingly frustrated with co-workers who exhibit entitlement regarding workplace perks, particularly free meals.
Elaine Varelas provides guidance on fostering a culture of appreciation for workplace benefits such as free meals while addressing entitlement.
Q. I work at a tech company with a lot of nice perks. It really annoys me that many of my colleagues act so entitled when it comes to the perks, such as free meals for employees. For example, they complain if breakfast provisions run out by a certain time. We get free breakfast, lunch, and “to go dinners” (to be used only if you are working late and need a quick meal). Many colleagues abuse the to-go-dinners and take one home with them most nights, not just when working late. How can I maintain a sense of gratitude for workplace perks while addressing concerns about colleagues’ entitlement and misuse of company benefits, without compromising professional relationships or appearing judgmental?
Advertisement:
A. You are lucky to work in an organization that provides such nice benefits, such as your free meals. We recognize that all the free meals are to encourage you to stay at work during what are meal breaks and to reward you for working late by providing a to-go meal. It’s disappointing that some of your colleagues have lost their ability to be grateful and appreciate the benefits that your company is providing. There could also be employees who “over serve“ themselves so there isn’t enough food to go around. It is disappointing to hear people complain about what’s served, what’s not available, or abusing the system without feeling any sense of guilt at all.
Advertisement:
Certainly, you don’t want to put yourself in a position of being the rule keeper or the rule enforcer at work, but during this season, this may an opportune time to talk with Human Resources or whoever oversees this program to consider donating one or two meals each week to those less fortunate. Having this kind of conversation also gives the organization the opportunity to revisit the reasons and proper uses of this benefit. Organizations should create clear guidelines regarding the use of free meal programs, specifying who is eligible and any limitations on meal quantities or frequency. While many people, including children and adults, experience hunger, complaining about running out of breakfast on a single occasion can come across as entitled and is just obnoxious.
Recognize the potential for the company to engage in charitable activities, whether by donating to a homeless shelter, supporting a school system, contributing to organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Such actions can serve as a tangible reminder of the needs of individuals who are not employed in the tech sector and don’t receive a free meal perk. There are many ways to redirect people’s sense of entitlement without becoming the corporate police. Take advantage of this opportunity to help your organization and your colleagues know what a great benefit the free meals provided are and the significant value that the company provides to their employees.
Advertisement:
There are always going to be people who take advantage of everything. Finding ways to redirect the purpose is important. Acknowledge that you can’t change everyone, but you can make a difference within the organization.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address