> > > Sometimes we had to pay (they called it a donation, but whatever) for the privilege.
> >
> > I think if a company even *suggested* that to me, I would have some choice words for the management on my way out the door. That is just unbelievably absurd, petty, and disrespectful.
>
> Well, in defense (wait, why am I doing this?) of the companies in question, it was always either to raise money for a charity, or for the employee's activities committee, which, theoretically anyway, went into doing "fun events" for the workers.
>
> In my defense, I usually refused to participate and just came to work dressed normally if there was a donation required to dress down.
>
> Gri"the defense rests"shny

It's amazingly common, here (in Canada? Ontario? Schools?)

We have dress-down every Friday, with a note on all our doors that say "Friday is casual day for our staff. All contributions are donated to charity."

Which they are. I always just write a cheque for $50 right at the beginning of the year (never have to think about it again, and I get a tax deduction). I don't mind at all. I get to wear my jeans, the Sally Anne gets money for the food bank, and everyone's happy. Between us, we raise a fair amount of money each year.

te "but I always keep a blazer at my desk in case a VIP shows" ach