Most employees are irritated by forced office traditions such as contributing to leaving presents, social days out and sporting sweepstakes, new research reveals.
The survey by RPCushing Recruitment shows half of workers resent having to fork out for gifts when someone decides to leave the company, while the same number are annoyed by being forced to give to charity.
Another 40% begrudge the culture of the leaver being expected to buy drinks for colleagues and office outings are not always the fun they are intended to be with one in three workers finding them annoying.
Frustration with forced generosity also extends to birthdays. Being expected to buy cakes on their own special day irritates a quarter of staff.
Despite being introduced to ingrain a sense of informality in the workplace, one in six are also aggravated by 'dress down days'. A quarter admit to feeling under pressure to look their best.
Paul Cushing, managing director of RPCushing, said: "Many informal interpersonal interactions, workplace incentives and team bonding exercises are resented by office workers.
"There are definite benefits to employers encouraging the development of a participative culture based on teamwork. However, there should be broad consensus amongst the employees about what form these activities should take."
