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My company has decided to encourage various charity fundraising activities on a monthly basis. While this seems like a great idea in principle, it is starting to take its toll on my pocket and my patience. There are only so many cakes I can bake or trinkets I can buy. The office is small, so it will be noted if I choose to withdraw from further activities and I am convinced I will be judged on my decision. Should I say something?

I think that any business would probably do well to look at its charity policy. People don't like to be forced to donate to charity and it can get very wearying when you are asked to. It can even get to a point where it becomes a chore, whereas it should make you feel good. Obviously your company has got it wrong because you are feeling bad about it — or feeling bad about feeling badly about it.

Charity definitely has a role in the workplace, but everybody needs to understand what the charity is. Most companies that I work with adopt a charity for a year and everyone has a chance to vote on which it is. I think this is a great policy. Even if it isn't your charity that gets adopted, you have had your chance to say something.

I would approach your manager and suggest the company adopts a charity policy, because it's the best way to organise these issues.  You cannot force charity on people if you want it to work.

Deborah Meaden is author of Common Sense Rules (Random House, £7.99). Read more advice from Deborah Meaden.

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