The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    What to do if your boss or colleague doesn't return your money

    Synopsis

    There’s no easy way to demand your own money back. ET Wealth tells you how to tackle the tricky situation without disturbing the delicate relationship.

    pf-1Getty Images
    A simple, effective way is to meet the colleague one on one and bring up the issue.
    It requires skill and effort to keep your relationship with the boss and colleagues on an even keel. Bring money into this equation and the skew can damage the delicate balance at the workplace. While lending money is never a good idea, it should be completely avoided when it comes to co-workers. The situation can become more complicated if your boss needs financial assistance and, worse, does not return the money. Should you write off the amount or find a way to retrieve it? Before you do either, consider the following:

    • Offer only the money you can spare and are prepared to write off because there is a high probability you will never see it again.
    • Give money only if the co-worker is facing a genuine financial crisis, not if he needs it for a discretionary spend.
    • Check if the colleague is a habitual borrower and has asked other co-workers for money as well. Do not lend in such a case.
    • Don’t be pressured into parting with your money if you don’t have a good equation with the boss because it’s a cinch you will not get it back. However, do so in a non-offensive manner by citing, say, a personal crisis.

    If you have already loaned the money and have not got it back, one possibility is that the borrower has simply forgotten about it. In such a case, a gentle reminder will serve the purpose. If not, follow this strategy:

    1. Don’t wait for too long
    If the co-worker has promised to repay the amount in the next pay cycle, wait for it. If no time frame has been set, be proactive and don’t let too much time lapse before reminding the person. The longer you wait, the higher the probability that you will not get your money back. Another likely fallout is that, with time, your relationship with the co-worker is bound to become strained in office, which may affect your work.

    2. Make it short and direct
    Don’t prepare an elaborate request, type out a long mail, or send out a Whatsapp message. A simple, effective way is to meet the colleague one on one and bring up the issue. Avoid a confrontational posture and remind him gently about the pending payment, saying, “I just wanted to know when you are planning to return the money.” Do not accept vague commitments like, “In two or three months.” Get the colleague to seta clear date and, if he doesn’t return the money by this deadline, approach again.

    3. Make the return easier
    It is possible that the co-worker is facing a genuine crisis and finding it difficult to pay back the lump sum. In such a case, make it easier for him by staggering the payment over a few months. You could suggest post-dated cheques as instalments or ask him to transfer through payment apps or wallets on a fixed date every month. Another option is to have the colleague do something for you in exchange, say, drop you home or pay for something you were planning to purchase. He could also cover your contribution at the next outing or meal, or pay for you in case of a gift being given to a colleague. This approach could also work in the case of a boss as it may not be easy to confront him or remind him in person.

    4. Bring in the urgency
    If you need the money badly, try to convey the urgency to the co-worker. This can be done directly by citing the reasons you need it for, say, an upcoming large payment, or a personal financial crisis, or even a medical emergency. For additional pressure, you could remind the colleague publicly by declining an outing, citing lack of money, or through pointed remarks about your financial situation.

    If you have a wealth whine, write to us...
    All of us have been in a financial dilemma when it comes to relationships. How do you say no to a friend who wants you to invest in his new business venture? Should you take a loan from your married brother? Are you concerned about your wife’s impulse buying? If you have any such concerns that are hard to resolve, write in to us at etwealth@timesgroup.com with ‘Wealth Whines’ as the subject.

    Disclaimer: The advice in this column is not from a licensed healthcare professional and should not be construed as psychological counselling, therapy or medical advice. ET Wealth and the writer will not be responsible for the outcome of the suggestions made in the column.

    (Your legal guide on estate planning, inheritance, will and more.)

    Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

    ...more

    (Your legal guide on estate planning, inheritance, will and more.)

    Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

    ...more
    The Economic Times

    Stories you might be interested in