Management issued an email to employees prohibiting Valentine's gifts. Picture: Pexels
Ah, Valentine’s Day. The annual spectacle of overpriced roses, cringe-worthy couple posts, and more heart-shaped chocolates than anyone actually asked for.
It’s a day of love, sure - but not everyone is feeling it.
And in some cases, management has made sure of that.
In a recent viral post, a group chief operations officer fired off an email that reads like something straight out of a bad sci-fi movie, where love is illegal and HR is the Grinch of Romance.
“Please note that no Valentine’s gifts are allowed within the company’s premises. Management has made the decision in order to safeguard other employees from unnecessary pressure and stress.
“Kindly communicate with your loved ones about this instruction in time to avoid any inconveniences. Please note that this will be taken seriously and commensurate action will be taken against violators.”
Yoh. Someone definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Look, we get it. Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone. It’s a high-risk day, either you’re basking in the glory of an OTT bouquet or you’re reliving your high school trauma, watching everyone else get plastic roses while you sit there pretending not to care.
Very “Mean Girls” vibes.
Remember that scene where Regina George hands out those candy heart lollipops and poor Cady Heron realises she’s about as popular as last year’s Christmas decorations? Exactly.
But banning gifts? Completely? That’s next-level Grinch behaviour.
The office is already a place where joy goes to die with fluorescent lighting, forced smiles and those weird motivational posters that nobody reads. And now, not even a sneaky chocolate or a cute little teddy bear from a secret admirer? Come on.
Where is the love?
What’s next, no birthday cakes because not everyone gets one? No Secret Santa because someone didn’t get the good chocolates? No year-end party because some employees have social anxiety?
At this rate, management might as well ban happiness entirely.
To be fair, their reasoning isn’t entirely off. Workplace romances can be tricky and nobody wants to be the only one at their desk with nothing while Sharon from Accounts gets an entire flower shop delivered.
But surely, a “keep it professional” policy would do the trick? Instead, they’ve taken the “if I can’t have fun, no one can” approach. And that’s just sad.
So, to all the lovebirds out there trying to smuggle in a Ferrero Rocher without getting fired - stay strong. And to those who are celebrating in secret? We see you.
— m. (@haiborands) February 11, 2025