Dear Dr. Mimi: Generous Office Mate

, , ,

Dear Dr. Mimi
We are a two-person office. My employer treats me well … too well. I am paid well. I get little presents all the time. I received a huge birthday bonus, and now he wants to pay for my membership in a health club. He has never made any inappropriate advances, and yet I feel uncomfortable accepting this gift. Even in these tough times, our organization is doing well. Am I being overly cautious by not accepting any more gifts?
—Overpaid

Dear Overpaid,
Some people are truly generous, and perhaps you are underrating yourself. If the organization is doing well, this may be his way of showing appreciation. It is less costly to give you a one-time gift than a raise. However, if you don’t want to accept the latest gift, tell him thanks for the generous offer but that you are uncomfortable with his paying for your membership at this time.
—Dr. Mimi

Written By

drmimi

Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Backup

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss favors another employee and schedules them for more shifts. We are on the same skill level and have had the same training, but I am being treated like a “backup” for them. I am afraid to bring this up to my manager for fear that they will reprimand or even fire…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overworked Student

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I am a working college student, and my company is supposed to be accommodating to students’ schedules. However, my boss keeps asking me to come into work at times she knows that I have classes or study groups. I have tried to make this issue known to her, but she keeps dismissing me.…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them?—Frustrated Dear Frustrated,It can be tricky working with new employees. If you think they are…