AITA for not giving our office admin assistant my free coffee?

The hum of a small office buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, but a quiet tension simmered beneath the surface. An employee, caught in the glow of a Starbucks BOGO deal, faced a moral pickle: share the free coffee with a coworker or continue gifting it to the admin assistant who faithfully fetched their orders? Her choice sparked a subtle sting of disappointment, rippling through the office’s delicate social fabric.

This seemingly trivial dilemma unveils deeper questions about workplace appreciation and unspoken courtesies. The admin’s downturned expression hinted at more than just a missed latte—it spoke to the value of small gestures in a role often taken for granted. Readers might feel a pang of empathy, wondering where the line lies between obligation and kindness in the daily grind of office life.

‘AITA for not giving our office admin assistant my free coffee?’

A free coffee might seem trivial, but it can brew big feelings in the workplace. The admin assistant’s disappointment reflects a universal truth: small tokens of appreciation matter, especially in roles heavy with multitasking. According to a 2023 Gallup study on workplace engagement, employees who feel valued are 20% more productive. This story highlights how minor gestures can bridge gaps in perceived respect.

The employee’s choice to split the BOGO deal with a coworker wasn’t malicious, but it shifted an established pattern. The admin, likely earning less than others, may have seen the free drink as a rare perk in a demanding job. As Dr. Tessa West, a workplace psychology expert, notes in a Psychology Today article, “Consistency in small acts of kindness builds trust; disrupting them can feel like a demotion.” Here, the sudden change likely stung more than the coffee’s absence.

This scenario mirrors broader issues of workplace equity. Admins often juggle unseen tasks—scheduling, errands, morale-boosting—yet face lower pay and status. A 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows administrative assistants earn a median of $41,000 annually, often less than their office peers. The free coffee was a symbolic nod to her efforts; its loss underscored her undervalued role.

To mend this, the employee could offer a small gesture—like a gift card or a heartfelt thank-you. Dr. West suggests “micro-affirmations,” like acknowledging specific contributions, to rebuild trust.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

The Reddit crew poured out their thoughts like a fresh brew, serving up a mix of sass and sympathy. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the crowd:

These Redditors dished out cheers for the employee’s generosity and side-eyes for overlooking the admin’s feelings. Some saw the coffee as a job perk; others called it a vital morale boost. But do these hot takes stir the full pot, or are they just frothy opinions?

This Starbucks saga brews a lesson: tiny gestures can carry grande weight in the workplace. The employee’s choice sparked a ripple of disappointment, reminding us how much appreciation matters in roles like the admin’s. Whether it’s a free latte or a kind word, small acts can sweeten the daily grind. What would you do if you were in this employee’s shoes? Share your thoughts and experiences below—let’s keep the conversation percolating!