How would you feel if your office ignored your birthday?

Question

I've been working at this job (for a large insurance company) for six months. In these past six months, I've noticed that it seems to be a supervisor's responsibility to acknowledge employee birthdays. There's usually cake, or balloons, or a card, or something. Also, a newsletter goes out each month which contains a "birthday list" for the month. My name was on the list for this month (I checked), and since everyone else has gotten a small celebration for their birthdays (including my team members who have been here only as long as I have), I was expecting to get some acknowledgement of my birthday.

Well, my birthday is today, and nobody has acknowledged it. I didn't get a card or a "Happy Birthday" from anybody. I think I have a unique enough name that someone would have noticed it in the birthday column. If I hadn't seen all the fanfare that's usually given for birthdays, I wouldn't care....but right now, I feel very ignored and unimportant.

What would you do in this situation?

Answer 1

Personally I don't think I would make a big deal about it.  I have friends and family who make sure my birthday is acknowledged.  That is enough for me.  

If its important to you, then you can calmly ask a supervisor (preferably one that you work with) about it.  The person who organizes the card or  balloons or what not may have been out, or just simply forgot.  Just say something like you have others recieve a card or balloons on their birthday and you just recently had a birthday. (Its gotta be low key way of asking since we're in the adult world)

Answer 2

WELL I HOPE THIS HELPS....

I WOULD THINK THAT IF NOBODY HAS HAD A BDAY IN A WHILE PPL WOULDNT BE LOOKING AT THE LIST LATELY...I WOULD WEAR A BIG *** HAT SAYING ITS MY BDAY OR SOMETHING...SO THEN THEY WOULD FEEL BAD YA KNOW?

Answer 3

Um, I'd ignore it since it's really not a big deal.

Answer 4

Sure you have a right to feel upset.  You feel like you were not included in something that is extended to other members in your office.

You should talk to your supervisor.  First of all I would just nonchalantly mention that your birthday had passed.  Something along the lines of "wow I can't believe another birthday has come and gone" or "man i can't believe I turned ## yesterday" or something.  Maybe she will be apologetic when she realizes her oversight.  Managers are just people after all and everyone forgets things.  I'm sure it wasn't something that was done on purpose.  

If they don't catch the hint, ask to speak to her and mention that you felt slighted that you weren't recognized for your b-day even though all others in the office were.  Make sure not to accuse your manager of anything but get your point across that your feelings were hurt.  Be diplomatic but don't let it slide.

Answer 5

I could care less if work celebrated my birthday. I'm there to do a job, that's all. I rather celebrate my birthday with friends and family.

Answer 6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

1st - Don't let this put a damper on YOUR day!!  :)

This would make me feel the same way - so what I would do is go to your Supervisor and start chatting with her, in this conversation find a way to make a comment about it being your birthday and see what her reaction is.  Maybe she forgot due to the holiday etc., this will give her the chance to say that if so. If she doesn't mention anything even after you bring it up, I would drop it but may mention in the future if your asked to partake in someone elses festivities that you didn't have any for your birthday, so are a little confused how it works?!

Hope this helps, good luck!!

Answer 7

Happy Birthday!!!!!

Answer 8

Happy Birthday but to be honest it wouldn't worry me.