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Original poster

Christmas works do is in the middle of the working day, but I don't want to go

44 replies

notagrinch · 14/11/2021 11:19

My work has rented out a venue and we are having a sit down dinner and party from 12pm onwards, so during the middle of the working day. I think it's 150-200 people.

I don't want to go for several reasons, one of which is COVID, but is it normal for the works do to be during the middle of the day? I feel like I have no option but to go. If it was in the evening it would be easier to decline but when it's during the working day it's a bit hard to get out of.

OP posts:

ilovesooty · 14/11/2021 15:31

[quote whereisthekey]@Jumbojem because its during the working day and for team building. so it's seen as part of the job.[/quote]
Exactly that.

User135644 · 14/11/2021 15:32

@FortunesFave

Oh I sympathise. Can you book the day off and say it's a family event that day? That's what I'm doing! I do NOT want to be part of the bloody Secret Santa OR drink crap wine and be jolly thanks.

I hate all the shit they force on people.

Not everyone in offices are sociable extroverts and just want to be left alone.

User135644 · 14/11/2021 15:36

In my organisation, it would be viewed very very badly and likely you’d just to be told tough luck.

Employers love to email and pontificate about diversity, neurodiversity and wellbeing etc, yet apparently that all goes out the window. Social events are very difficult for a lot of people.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Events & celebrations

MissCreeAnt · 14/11/2021 15:37

I find them way easier at lunchtime. I'd stick it out for a couple of hours then leave for school pick up.

MargosKaftan · 14/11/2021 16:25

I've worked a few places with daytime works do. Usually its ok for junior staff not to go, but managers are expected to keep their diaries free and attend, to "host" their team and socialise with them. If you dont have anyone reporting into you, speak to your boss and say you feel uncomfortable being in a room with 200 people given covid numbers and would rather take a day's leave or stay back in the office to man the phones, perhaps so the receptionists can join the party who would normally have to stay behind?

makelovenotpetrol · 14/11/2021 16:28

Surely it would be acceptable to say you're not comfortable mixing with such a large group of people ? Unless you all work together anyway.

Or you'll just have to suck it up and go. It's just an afternoon.

SnoopyLights · 14/11/2021 16:59

We have a dinner in the middle of the works day, usually at a restaurant or hotel, but we also have an evening out for those who want to let their hair down a bit. Nobody has to go to either event, but if they choose to miss the dinner they still have to work through it.

I think with COVID it's even more understandable that some people won't want to mix with so many people, so I'm sure they will understand if you don't go.

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 14/11/2021 17:15

I used to work somewhere where we'd go off in the middle of the day to it. It was officially until the end of the working day and if you wanted to stay out you could.

Rockbird · 14/11/2021 17:22

Screw that. You'd have to drag me kicking and screaming to a work do, whatever time it is. They can view me how they want, I don't give a shite.

dreamsarefree · 14/11/2021 17:38

I'm surprised by some of the aggressive responses here. It would never be many people's first choice of activity but I cannot believe the stress people cause themselves and lengths they go to to avoid a couple of hours interacting with colleagues. You're basically saying a big fat "I hate you" to people you probably spend more time with than anyone else, what happened to graciously attending as a courtesy? I am sure there many people looking forward to the work Christmas party as it might be their only social interaction. There's no need to be so difficult about it, although it strikes me that an issue would be found regardless (such a pp saying if it was out of work hours then also unpopular)

Crinkle77 · 14/11/2021 17:40

Our official work do is always at lunchtime and there's a raffle and quiz. It's completely voluntary to attend and no questions asked if you don't want to. Can't imagine working somewhere where it was compulsory or frowned upon not to attend.

ilovesooty · 14/11/2021 17:40

@Rockbird

Screw that. You'd have to drag me kicking and screaming to a work do, whatever time it is. They can view me how they want, I don't give a shite.

Good grief.

NothingIsWrong · 14/11/2021 17:56

Ours is lunchtime, not compulsory but if you aren't going you can't book a desk that day and have to WFH so the desks are available in the morning for people going out at lunchtime. Seems fair enough to be honest.

whereisthekey · 14/11/2021 18:23

@Rockbird do you think you're maybe in the wrong job if u feel that strongly against spending any celebratory/supposed to be nice time with people you work with??

foxy86 · 14/11/2021 18:41

I prefer them in the day but more a lunchtime one as no childcare issues as kids already at school. We are having Christmas lunch at a pub. We will leave the office at 12 and hoping we get back close to 3 so I only have a short day to work. Just go and have the meal and then leave early or offer to cover.

User135644 · 14/11/2021 19:04

@Rockbird

Screw that. You'd have to drag me kicking and screaming to a work do, whatever time it is. They can view me how they want, I don't give a shite.

I agree. If it's optional - no thanks. If you're forced into it then either grin and bear it, go to your Union or book leave/take a sick day.

In the past i'd grin and bear it, but my tolerance levels are really low now and I won't be attending.

Spiceup · 14/11/2021 19:07

Work have done this because they want everyone there. There must be other aspects of your job you'd rather not do but you just have to because it's your job. This is the same.

grafittiartist · 14/11/2021 19:14

Middle of the day sounds perfect- then you don't sacrifice an evening for it.
I'd prefer that!

User135644 · 14/11/2021 19:16

@Spiceup

Work have done this because they want everyone there. There must be other aspects of your job you'd rather not do but you just have to because it's your job. This is the same.

Then they need to be more sensitive to their employees.

Our employer require us to do e-learning on stuff like neurodiversity. Well i'm introverted and have bad social anxiety. Why then force me to attend a party with a room full of people that i'll be dreading for weeks and cause me anxiety?

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