Thread: Should I go to my office party?

My manager recently told us that our firm isn't going to be throwing a lavish Christmas party this year as it would seem inappropriate with all the accountancy jobs that have been lost across the country this year...

I've heard a lot of companies have been cutting their parties this year, so I wasn't too upset, but now she has invited my team out to lunch, to a rather expensive restaurant mind you, and told us we'll all be paying for our own meals.

I really don't want to go - would it be bad form to say "no thanks"?

Hi there

I think you should definitely make an effort to go to your Christmas party. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know your boss in a social environment and build your relationship with him / her. Not to mention cement your friendships with your colleagues - you never know, you might need to call on them for a favour in 2010!!! It's just a few hours out of your life - yet it could make a major difference to the way your co-workers perceive you

Thanks for your advice, but I still feel a bit annoyed I'll have to shell out for such an expensive lunch though. But you make a good point about getting to know my manager socially, who knows, we might find we actually have something in common? (Not a very approachable person at the best of times)

I have been chatting to my colleagues about it and none of them are upset by the fact we're not getting treated this year... most of them feel we should just be thankful we all get to keep our jobs.

Apparently, 42% of companies are not holding parties this year - so I guess I should be grateful?

Hi Laila,

I think lunch sounds great! Personally, I'd much rather attend a small gathering and talk one-on-one with co-workers and management versus having to make the rounds and schmooze at a big party. Your attendance shows you're a team player and having to foot your own bill isn't the end of the world, right? Surely the company has gone above and beyond in the past to reward their employees with lavish holiday party's (and maybe raises and bonuses). A good business relationship is one that is balanced between giving and taking.

--dawn

Well... we're not getting a bonus this year, that's for sure! But I hear what you guys are saying - this lunch will be a good opportunity for me to chat to my colleagues and manager on a one-to-one basis.

I do, however. wish they had picked a more affordable restaurant. I don't meant to sound stingy but this time of year, everything adds up... guess I'm just going to have to suck it up and pay my way

Y'know, we should all quit complaining about not getting bonuses and just be thankful we have jobs in accountancy... when our country's financial services and banking industry is going to keep experiencing job cuts, pay cuts and recruitment freezes for the next couple of years at the very least.

Did you hear the latest from Lloyds? Over 500 jobs to go!!! Sigh

I know, I know, I should be greatful I have a job and quit complaining about a silly lunch. I've decided to go and enjoy the company of my colleagues.

That is terrible news for those poor people who lost their jobs at Lloyds - and just before Xmas too. Although I don't necessarily agree with you that our industry is experiencing such a lack of jobs at the moment, every jobs site I visit seems to advertise a plethora of positions!

Not that I'm thinking of changing jobs... just checking in to see what's out there. We're allowed to window shop aren't we

I wouldn't go, seems a bit absurd for you to have to pay for the companies christmas lunch. I've been getting up in arms about uncessary stuff like this lately. The company chose not to have a christmas party, which is perfectly fine. Making employees feel obligated to pay for a christmas lunch just to appear professional, seems a bit ridiculous to me.

Hi Mike

Appreciate your input

I stumbled across this interesting article which says that most staff in the UK would rather get a thank you card from their employers than an office party!!!

All of us have had to deal with extra stress at work this year due to the downturn, we deserve a little thanks, don't you think.

But, instead, we're expected to buy our own lunch. Hmph, I'm angry about this all over again! It really does seem that we have to go above and beyond to keep our jobs these days, doesn't it?

Originally Posted by Laila

Hi Mike

Appreciate your input

I stumbled across this interesting article which says that most staff in the UK would rather get a thank you card from their employers than an office party!!!

All of us have had to deal with extra stress at work this year due to the downturn, we deserve a little thanks, don't you think.

But, instead, we're expected to buy our own lunch. Hmph, I'm angry about this all over again! It really does seem that we have to go above and beyond to keep our jobs these days, doesn't it?

I agree and as i said, i wouldnt go. I hate the fact that attending something like that against your will is really a need to show proper etiquete and professionalism...If your company isnt going to be professional and make you pay for your christmas party lunch, then what motivation do you have to care either. I dont go to anything i dont WANT to go to and this would certainly be one thing.

here's a good example, our company spent 14,000 on this years christmas party, for 90 people. Thats a 155 per person, so 310 per employee (spouses are welcome). there isnt a person here who wouldn't prefer a check in that amount over the party.

i think upper management has seriously lost touch with its employees in this country. Greed is one thing, but not understanding what matters to your employees is another. Our company has been fortunate enough to actually see an explosion of sales during these tough times (we make over the counter medicine). The swine flu really created a massive need for our product and as a result sales were 40% higher than the budget for the year and 35% higher than the previous year....yet the christmas bonus was identical to last year....I don't like to complain and im happy to have a job, but seriously???