<p>I arranged a retirement party for an employee who worked for the company for 20+ years. I was his boss at the time and only a few of us knew that he had a medical reason for retiring. The company chipped in enough for nice snacks and a small gift. I gave a speech and wrote a complementary speech for MY boss to give. We gathered around and had a great time remembering his years at the company.
His coworkers pitched in for a big gift certificate. I did not organize or encourage this. It was their own idea.
Employee’s wife arranged a private gathering at a different site for a different day. Many more people showed up!
Result : remaining employees see that longevity and loyalty are rewarded. Coworkers have choices about a send-off.
Secret: I was not a big fan of this employee, but I did respect his years of service. And I did want other employees to feel respect and to be respected in the future.</p>
<p>I hate to say it, but…
Organizing a party wouldn’t be the boss’ job where I work.
It would be the boss’ assistant’s job.
The boss would delgate it to the assistant if he/she wanted it done, or the assistant would recognize it as within the scope of his/her duties, and would just do it.</p>
<p>However, the assistant would then have control over what the actual festivities entailed. In this situation, it would probably be a card and some donuts and coffee in the front of the office, everyone gathering for five minutes. Boss says a few words, presents card.</p>
<p>The card could be, literally, a greeting card. Or it could contain a gift certificate funded by taking up a collection among coworkers.</p>
<p>eggmom, I’m with you. But I understand that not all organizations make such a contribution.</p>
<p>What was common at my workplace is what I recommend for the Op. Someone(employee not boss) buy a happy retirement card, go around to all other employees ask them to sign, and give them option of donating cash if they wish- as much or as little as they wish. After all have had their opportunity, give card and cash to departing person.</p>
<p>IMO, to expect a specific amount from each employee for one sets up an unfair expectation on all other employees that it is what they will get when each of them retires. Some people are better liked than others.</p>
<p>I wonder if any one there (at the school if not the department) has retired after a long time? If so, then have others in including the retiring woman been asked to donate on others behalf? If not, especially given the politics of school employee groups, you may have a lot of grumblers asking why they should contribute for her- not just A} we don’t like her or B} she has already been gone a year, but C} no one has ever done this before</p>
<p>Each school district and even site seems to develop their own pattern, some do potlucks, some do group gifts, but rarely are school budget tax payor dollars used for retirement recognition. I know our school used to to give board members a small ($20 maybe) parting gift.</p>
<p>In my experience, the boss never arranges parties–the assistant does. There’s no way I would do anything after working hours because it’s not fair to take up your coworkers’ personal time. </p>
<p>Bake a cake large enough to feed the employees at your location (cheaper than a commercial cake), and buy a retirement card for them to sign. No money collection, or maybe a dollar each to cover the cake and card. A half hour or so before the end of the work day, gather together so the boss can say a few words and hand the card to the retiree. Then everyone gets a piece of cake (they can get their own drinks out of the vending machine).</p>
<p>Or you could do a bigger celebration the day after she retires…:D</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input. The issue has been resolved.</p>
<p>I talked to the co-workers today. Turns out Retiree has specifically told them she does NOT want a party. </p>
<p>So we’re collecting money (whatever anyone wants to give), and giving her either cash or a gift card, in an envelope with a lovely retirement card signed by everyone. </p>
<p>In our dept, despite earning very little money the staff seems to feel the need to take up a collection for EVERYTHING. If someone loses a family member, or is out sick for a long time, or has a seriously ill immediate family member, these women feel the need for everyone to donate money and give it to the person. I have gathered the money and sent the card in the past. However, unlike others in the office, I don’t feel the need to track who donates (or how much). I know some people I work with think that only people who donated should have their name included on the card. I just write that the gift is from the staff. Period.</p>
<p>Lafa- I recall working part time in college at a bank and it was the full time job for every one else there, I was just the 2 day a week shift covering person, working for $3-4/hour. Shoot, they collected constantly for bdays & everything else. My thoughts were, “dang, ladies, I am glad this is your life & your family, but I am here 8-15 hours a week, grossing $20-45 a week and don’t really want to kick in $5 for Susie’s bday nor do I want to go out to lunch with ya’ll, I have to study”</p>
<p>It was really awkward as I knew with office culture that I ought to donate, but I cringed and hoped they would organise on the 4 days I did not work!</p>