I agree with your sentiment outside of work, but no one should feel they have to spend their own money on their colleagues in work. I find your perspective interesting though and gives me something to think on. Would I happily spend this at work? There are MANY factors at play here: It’s not about the money really…it could be about the principal. Should anyone who is a worker be expected to spend their own money on a work project?

I too dislike people being tight but I dislike this more from people who are on 6 figures and have 3 cars. Your co worker is not that and we don’t know her financial set up. She could have all kinds of responsibilities. But besides all these other factors, I have to say I would not like being expected to pay for a gift card membership for my employer. Unless you’re working for a non profit then this should be without question refunded. Your manager should not say of course I can refund, she should tell you to use the petty cash. Sadly this is on her and is poor management skills.

Also perhaps your co workers stance is slightly different to you as she’s worked there all those years and you’re new. You are undoubtedly keen but I wonder if you’ll feel the same about this two or three years down the line?

I understand why you don’t want to seem cheap here, but this is not about you. This is about setting a precedent. If you pay for this out of your own pocket you are unknowingly setting a moral standard for the office. What about if the next person to take the baton has 3 kids and a husband at home due to a disability? Her salary may have no wiggle room. she should not have to be made to feel that she should pay any money or that she should use her circumstances as an excuse.

Also using your awesome card package now means that those high standards are set within the office. The next new person who comes in to this position will feel like they have to continue with your more expensive subscription otherwise their cards will look rubbish in comparison. And you’re manager now doesn’t think she has to cover this.

This is a little like the person who stays late and works through their lunch hour, it makes everyone else feel that they have to do it too.