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Step 1
Make a sign to place near the candy that reads "Donations Welcome" or "Please Contribute to The Candy Fund". You can make the message light and humorous by using a funny saying or poem, such as:
"See a candy, pick it up
put a quarter in the cup."
If humor doesn't work, your sign may need to be more tactful. Whichever type you choose, signs can be a very effective way to get your point across. -
Step 2
Along with the sign, provide a place for people to put the donations. This can be a simple jar or something more elaborate such as a piggy bank.
If the donations are not money, but actual candy or other treats to fill the candy dish, provide an area to keep the excess until it's needed. -
Step 3
Place the communal candy dish in a visible location. People tend to be more honest and less greedy when their actions are being viewed by others.
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Step 4
Consider starting a program such as a "Candy Club", where employees who want to participate take turns supplying the candy each week or each member contributes a pre-determined amount of money to the community candy fund. This isn't likely to solve any problems you have with greedy candy takers, but it can help to take the financial burden off of a sole treat supplier.
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Step 5
If all else fails, distribute the candy using a device or dispenser that forces the user to insert money before the candy can be dispensed. An example would be an old fashioned gumball machine.
Try these steps to help keep everyone happy and the office candy dish full.
Comments
veryirie said
on 6/2/2009 Great poem in step 1; it all sounds like great solutions for a common problem at work. Thanks!
billips said
on 5/9/2009 Good idea for Candy Dish Contributions - everyone should pitch in - 5* - B.