Managers - do you pay for your direct reports’ lunch if you go as a group to pick something up from a takeaway lunch counter (eg Sweetgreen, Pret)? What about impromptu after-work drinks? I manage a team of young talent who don’t earn that much, and I obviously cover and expense the bill when it’s an official team dinner or event, but what’s the protocol for casual stuff? I wouldn’t be able to expense impromptu, casual things like this, so it would be my own money.

not unless i invited them or am just feeling generous. i think the important thing is to set the expectation clearly beforehand. “lunch/drinks on me this friday” or “we’re all going to meet up at sweetgreen for lunch, but we’ll each be covering the cost of our own meal.”

If a manager invites me out, I expect them to pay

For casual drink, we trade off buying rounds for the table but I try to pick up an extra round or two and we rarely let the staff pick up a round.

I think it’s a nice gesture every now and if it doesn’t break the bank, but it shouldn’t be expected nor something you should feel obligated to do. As adults, financial responsibilities and balancing budgets is something we all need to be realistic about - this refers to your direct reports too. If they’re not earning much, then maybe it’s not feasible for them to have a $15-$20/lunch a day.

I do not and it never occurred to me tbh and I have never empörendes my manager for paying like this. Maybe I am being cheap but that would be huge additional costs that would need me to rethink my budget / savings plan (if frequently and depending on team size).

If I am inviting I am definitely covering the cost. Also if it is casual I may cover the cost as well and ensure to keep the receipt for taxes in both cases.