Can I refuse to go on a work away day?

[lostintheocean]

It’s team building with an overnight stay. Surely I shouldn’t have to give up my evening when I’m not being paid for it?

What does your contract state?

What does your contract say?

If it doesn't mention nights away you probably can refuse. You can also expect that refusal might be reflected in people's views of you. If that doesn't matter to you then I expect saying no will be okay. If you can think of a "reason" you can't attend (caring responsibilities) that's likely to be easier.

I wouldn't want to go... do you know if you're expected to share a room?

Don't make a big deal of it and just call in sick or something similar on the day/day before

Isn’t this a career investment- good to network? Meet/spend some time with the team? Socialise some ideas you want to get over the line.

I’d look at it as a positive, night out presumably? Maybe a nice restaurant. Night away in a hotel

I wouldn’t want to go away overnight with my work. I would either just say I can’t stay over as I have responsibilities at home and no one else can help or just phone in sick the day before with sickness bug then ur out for a few days

Depends on so many things. One is probably your level of seniority. I have refused but my boss was very understanding and a lot of people really didn't want to go. Tbh the first point I made was that there was nothing in my contract about staying away overnight.

They ended up just doing a training day near the office and an optional dinner in the evening. I would imagine it also depends if you've got caring duties.

Bear in mind this also includes a pet ....they're not going to know if you do or don't have one.