Is it proper to take up a collection at work and put it in a sympathy card upon giving it to a co worker who had a death in the family?

I think this would be a great thing to do. I used to work at a place and we did that same thing. The man we worked with was from Vietnam and his father passed. He had to fly over there and was going to be there for about 2 weeks (I guess to help his mother and be there in support of the rest of his family). He was such a nice man and he had no leave so he was not going to get paid for the time he was away. Anyway, my work managers got a card and had all the staff in the hotel sign it and anyone who wanted to donate money could to help him out so he wasnt completely broke when he came home. I think you should definatley do this, it will let them know you and everyone else is there for them in a time of need.

The card, yes.

The money? Depends.

ONLY if it's known that they REALLY need the money for medical bills for the deceased, travel (for the burial), etc.

Otherwise, any money collected should be used for flowers for the funeral home and/or gravesite (and THAT should be the family's choosing).

I think, depending on the circumstances, this would be a very nice gesture. By circumstances I mean if you know this person is a little short for money and can really use the donation then I am sure he would appreciate it. If on the other hand it is something you want to do rather than send flowers then I don't think that would be very thoughtful. Make sure if you do take a collection and put it in a card that someone presents it to the co-worker personally. They can say something like we are sorry for your loss and thought this might help a little. Then make sure every who donated signs the card.

No. IMHO work and any other activity should not mix. +4

I think this would show that person a great deal of support in their time of need,I see nothing wrong with this.

I wouldn't mind donating money to buy flowers to be sent to the funeral home from all the co-workers. I think cash for insidentals is not appropriate. It seems like you're attempting to put a value on someones life. If I had a family death, I would feel uncomfortable taking the money.

It's proper and thoughtful.