To think this is madness at a company Christmas do?

[designateddriver16]

We have a Christmas do which is pretty much compulsory. You get hounded for explanations if you don't go. They are generally Saturday nights and never in convenient locations. This year's is out in the sticks. Transport is not provided. Nearest town is 10 miles away. Accommodation available for £90 per room. (Not covered)

Senior management have announced us they are only providing free wine with the meal. No soft drinks for drivers or anyone else. I queried this and was told that tap water in a jug was the only non alcoholic option. Drinks are available at the bar at extra cost (last time a coke was £3)

I have to drive. Need to get home for the dcs. I'm not a massive drinker so even if I weren't driving tbh I'd like the option of alternating wine with a soft drink.

AIBU to think this is not only weirdly stingy but irresponsible madness?

You definitely need the vomiting bug - ideally you need it to be "going round" the kids school about a week before (ours emailed warning), then the kids get it a few days before, then boom, you get it the day of the party. Oops, can't come, sorry.

Does your firm have a no Jews/Muslims/Hindus/Sikhs hiring policy? Or do they just intimidate non-Christian staff into attending a party for a different faith? You're employees, not chattel- I think this stinks.

Sapphire, I know. It's part of the "culture". I hate it. Forced fun is the worst. (It's also themed fancy dress but that's another thread)

I really think if Ricky gervais filmed us and made us into a series everyone would think it was too ridiculous to be believable.

There are many great things about the company but their approach to company events is definitely not one.

My company go to the other extreme, transport is provided and you aren't allowed to drive yourself ( in case you drank, drove and somehow the company could be held liable as they paid for the alcohol). Your do sounds grim actually - can you just say that you can't arrange a babysitter so have to drop out?

Just don't go, don't bow to the pressure!

RaeAm - no policy, but no diversity either (sadly that's pretty representative of our area though)
Diversity would be greatly welcomed.

Are you looking for ways to get out of it or just having a moan ?
Either is acceptable but guidance would be useful in formulating a reply to your OP

If I dropped out, it would be noted and brought up at regular intervals. It is seen as an "indicator" of commitment to the company. It's not an advisable move if you want to progress.

I do realise how bloody stupid this sounds. It's depressing actually. I have worked in other companies where the Christmas do was a highlight and you really looked forward to it - they hired the London eye or similar, paid for hotels, transport and unlimited food and drink.

Just don't go. I'm astonished at the number of posters suggesting fictional family illnesses.

I'd make up a D&V bug. Wouldn't bother.

Jenny, very good and fair question- I guess having a moan! This is cathartic, thank you all for indulging me

Cross post. I really don't see how they can apply this expectation outside working hours.

Ah well in that case fuck them, the fucking fucks. Sally Phillips impression

That was suppposed to be within stars like this rather than bold. Sigh.

Worked in a department where similar attitude prevailed.

Was advised that it was mandatory to attend and it would be frowned upon if I did not attend.

Called their bluff, explained politely to managent that I would not drink / drive and could not afford an overnight stay.

What did not go down well was when I asked for the appropriate admin stating that I had to attend functions like that and what dire consequences would happen if I did not attend.

Turns out, it was just middle management wanting to tick the boxes to show senior management that their team attended en mass.

Oh, and nothing ever happened when I did not attend said function

Such a shame your babysitter let you down.

How about a revolution - no one goes.
Head bod can't fire all of you.
Anonymous letter?

They are paying for your meal and wine? That's not bad, I would go and drink the water.

Since they are paying for your meal, I know it's not the nhs, and assume you must work in the legal field.

It's also themed fancy dress

Oh, GOD!

(

you can't arrange a babysitter so have to drop out?

OR

Your babysitter gets the vomitting bug . . . .

Sorry Delphinium

Cross post . .

I would pay someone to kidnap me before attending such an event.

Definitely D&V bug.

or.... The baby sitter vomited on the fancy dress.
Don't go, do what the pp above did and call their bluff.

Just buy a soft drink or drink water. It's a pain in the arse but it's one night and work.