I will try to start this blog in a calm and collected manner, but please forgive me if some degree of ranting enters at some point very soon.
The vast majority of people are obviously 'feeling the pinch' in one form or another. I'm no exception, and have every sympathy for those that truly have no idea how they are going to get through the coming weeks, months, and possibly years.
However, the 2 people I am about to mention don't strike me as being in this bracket, being as they are managers within our organisation and are in fairly secure positions compared to some of us.
On an expenses claim received today by our payroll team, they had claimed for 15 and 28 pence respectively.
Yes, that's right, 15 and 28 PENCE, not pounds.
Our company is facing severe difficulties over the next few months which could impact on a significant number of lives, but these people obviously can't see past the end of their noses. 15 PENCE!! 28 PENCE!! Is it really worth it? To be frank, I'd be embarrassed to claim that amount.
Now, don't get me wrong, a combined total of 43 pence is not going to be responsible for ruining this company, but the attitude that they have both displayed by claiming this petty amount strikes me with fear to be honest.
This is a time, more than ever, when we all need to pull together and act with the best interests of the company at heart. If managers, who should be leading by example, are worried about claiming such petty amounts of money, how are they going to react if we need to enforce short-time, or something similar?
It's ridiculous, but whilst I am hugely disappointed and angered by their actions, I'm not surprised. Greed, at all levels, from petty amounts to huge amounts that I can't even begin to imagine, is what has brought the global economy to it's knees. I don't hold out much hope of people suddenly changing their ways.
Our new CEO complained to someone at work about not having enough money to fill up his gas tank. Meanwhile 80% of our workforce makes $11/hr. GRR!
Thats definitely a tricky one. As someone who runs my own business, and is repsonsible for claiming back my own expenses, I am all to aware of how the little things mount up. On the other hand, these are hard times and people do need to pull together. I heard on the news the other day of a company who's employees took a £50 a week paycut so they didnt have to lay anyone off. Perhaps these managers could take note!
£50 per week? Had a query this week from a colleague, his MD has requested £5000 pa pay cut. The colleague is in his first year of service so it is the case of accept the variation to contract or we will dismiss you. Nothing like a catch 22. In his industry (Recruitment), he is highly unlikely to get a new job so he has to accept or have no income at all.
I'd simply have directed them to a junior member of staff who is put in charge of a petty cash box - preferably one that is scheduled to be opened for one hour only on a specified day in the month. Claims below £5 to be dealt with by this person - all claims to be made in person and with appropriate receipts in hand etc. etc.