Lol this sounds very childish, but intentions are noble.
My birthday is coming up in a few days. I am based in a North American office and my immediate team is small (4 people). I am junior on that team and there's one more in the same rank as me
On my birthday, since my team will be in the office that day, should I get donuts or anything for them and then email them to treat themselves? They wouldn't know it's my bday. Technically I can take the day off, as my company says birthdays are paid off, but I think it would look very childish if I did so (I am in my early 30s)
I usually wouldn't have posted this topic, but I joined the company a month or two ago, and am thinking maybe this is a good low hanging fruit type opportunity for me to boost my goodwill.
It isn't childish to take the day off for your birthday, regardless of age, in particular if you traditionally have plans with your family / friends / significant other.
Now, if you don't really celebrate your bday, that's a different story. Then the question is, do you need the day off then or could you speak to HR/staffing and maybe use that day off later, when it is more convenient?
As for offering the doughnuts, that's a nice gesture, but first question asked might well end up being: "What's the occasion?" So then you might end up in a discussion about your bday and time off preferences.
I started my career 11 years ago and I never heard of anyone until recently not coming in because of birthday. So all this sounds very funny to me. But yes I wouldn't mind the day off. I think I'll come in as there is some presentation due this Friday and this is the first time I am actually getting tested at work. I guess I will have to get donuts for the entire floor as otherwise it'll look odd
I earned my undergrad degree from a top school and my MBA from a target M7 (H/S/W)
Once you hit a certain age, the birthday is just another day (maybe where you have to renew your license at most). So my last one I didn't say jack because I didn't care, but sure enough the HR lead dropped a casual "happy birthday Audiophile!" walking past the break room and then it went to hell in a handbasket. Teammember juked me by getting Tiff's Treats and blaming it on my parents (who I know would never have done that), and I got to spend the rest of the day saying "thanks! But it's no big deal. It's just another day, right?" So be prepared to have to own it if it does come up.
Don't do the pastries and tip them off if you want to try and remain quiet. Slow roll it and let it play out if it has to. Also, it's your birthday, not some celebration of the team so don't feel like you need to indulge them on what's supposed to be your day. If anything, plan a small happy hour after work and keep it out of the office.
I don't drink so I am not inviting my team for drinks. Dinner would be too expensive.
Is it even worth doing anything in this scenario? Have no plans for bday
First, yes it's worth doing something. Maybe not with your coworkers, but friends? Family? An SO if you have one? Assuming you want to in the first place that is. It's your day, so it's totally up to you if you want to go out and do something, or just pour a nice whatever it is you drink since it's not scotch and watch Netflix documentaries at home. Maybe that's the gift you want, or even need sometimes. My rant was about how I got that robbed from me for instance. Second, kick that snot out of your head. It's YOUR birthday, so accept being a little selfish and make it about you for 24 hours. Stop trying to think about how you can gift them on your personal holiday.
I earned my undergrad degree from a top school and my MBA from a target M7 (H/S/W)
Happy birthday
Sending donuts or a treat for your team on your birthday is a thoughtful idea to boost goodwill, especially since you're new to the company. It's a positive gesture that can help you connect with your colleagues. You don't necessarily need to take the day off; simply sharing the treats and a friendly email is a nice way to celebrate and build rapport.
Honestly, I usually just let my birthday pass quietly at work unless someone already knows and insists on doing something. It can be awkward bringing treats in for your own birthday, especially when you’re new and not sure what your coworkers expect. When I joined my last team, I just brought in donuts a couple weeks after I started, as a generic “nice to meet you” thing. On my actual birthday, I kept it really chill and a few folks figured it out anyway from the HR calendar, so it kind of took care of itself. If you end up wanting to do anything for the office in the future, another way to stand out is getting a custom banner or simple sign, especially for events or team milestones. I saw 1 Day Banner used for quick event signage at a friend’s company and everyone thought it looked really professional.
I earned my undergrad degree from a top school and my MBA from a target M7 (H/S/W)
im working till 100+
need this powerpoint done yesterday (i hate investment banking but im not a banker)
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