When coworkers ask you for money it can be uncomfortable. There are countless occasions when a coworker may invite you to participate in something that requires cash. You may be invited (or even expected) to put some money towards your coworker’s baby shower, or your other coworker’s farewell party. Some coworkers may even ask you to purchase items as part of a fundraiser for their child’s extra curricular activities—girl scout cookies, wrapping paper, poinsettias, anyone? 

Growing up, my parents had a rule. If I had to fundraise for something that I wanted to do, that was on me. They wouldn’t bring my catalogs of overpriced holiday gifts to their offices because they didn’t want to set the expectation that they would buy their coworkers’ family fundraisers. This may sound harsh, but saying no to someone else’s child’s stuff can be hard. In my own office, I don’t have a set rule. I just assess the situation based on what the ask is, and what’s possible for me. 

However, if I’m on the asking side of the table, I have to remember that I have no idea about the personal finances of my coworkers. When there is a group gesture to be made, like a farewell gift, I try to make it as accessible as possible. I don’t ask people for contributions individually because I don’t want them to feel pressure to contribute when they may not want to, or they may not be able to. I simply make an announcement that I’ll be organizing a gift, and that if they’d like to contribute, there is an envelope in my office where they can leave cash. I’m in and out of my office all day so I don’t know who contributes what. And that is great for me. At the end of the contribution period, I total what we have and choose a gift, with input from the team. And of course, the card acknowledges that the gift is from everyone.

In sum, if you’re the one asking for money, think carefully about how others may feel, and then act accordingly.

Do you have experience dealing with cash transactions at work? How do you make them less awkward? Share with us in the comments below.