Is this company generous or reckless?

[covidconfused]

I work for a very sociable company - lots of drinking when we get together etc (mostly paid for by the company), lots of extroverts working there.

Just had a message from the MD saying that it's good to get together to keep spirits up, so if people want to get together, in accordance with the covid restrictions (is it up to 6 people if meeting socially for food/drinks in England?) the company will foot the bill (within reason!).

I am torn about this. On one hand I think it's very generous and an attempt to help those feeling isolated (we are mostly working at home and have been since early lockdown), good for mental health etc.
On the other hand I think it's a bit irresponsible to encourage people to get together with others when they don't need to.

I've been generally quite strict with lockdown and keeping away from people so I think I may be being unduly harsh on them, so would be really interested to hear others' views.

Generous. They are adhering to the rules. They aren’t making it compulsory. There is also a MH element. A lot of people are struggling at the moment, particularly the loss of social contact.

Thanks green - I can definitely see the benefits, just have a niggling worry in the back of my head about it.

So just 6 work there? I guess not.
So it will be lets all go hut orevent we are in different groups.
Good luck to your " cool outgoing managers) if one's down you're all out.

Generous.

They are not suggesting any breach of regulations (its support for small group socials, not massed works piss ups)

Are they doing anything for those with responsibilities in their non-work life which mean they can't benefit from this? This could be a time to make suggestions (support a local independent sandwich shop, cafe etc)

We don't have to be miserable, and small group socialising is allowed for now, so do it whilst you can. Just don't get plastered and snog!!

@scaevola

Generous.

They are not suggesting any breach of regulations (its support for small group socials, not massed works piss ups)

Are they doing anything for those with responsibilities in their non-work life which mean they can't benefit from this? This could be a time to make suggestions (support a local independent sandwich shop, cafe etc)

We don't have to be miserable, and small group socialising is allowed for now, so do it whilst you can. Just don't get plastered and snog!!

No there's not been mention of alternative perks for those who can't do this because of other commitments (or who don't want to!). It may be worth mentioning, although I'd have to have a think about an alternative that does the same thing in terms of social context, mental health etc.

In answer to another question, there's about 80 people in the company, spread over 3-4 offices in different locations. I guess it could be exclusionary if teams are more than 6 people. Or people could feel pressured to meet up if others want to (eg for team meetings). Some of our offices are in areas with local lockdowns, so will be limited to meeting outdoors (not fun as the weather turns!)

It's tricky. As I said, on one hand it is generous but I feel uneasy about it.

If in doubt, don’t go.

Don't worry about it.
There are thousands gathered together in London today. It's the latest of many frequent mass gatherings protests.
Today's lot are without masks (having crowded in on public transport to get there) because they're the conspiracy theory anti vaxxer anti mask lot.

It's completely different to your company's idea, which is really nice of them. A little morale booster for a small group of six.
It's not as if we're in a proper lockdown (including border restrictions) - so really your small meetups won't make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. Obviously don't feel pressured into going if you don't want to.

It's generous.

When we are in an office environment we have to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines and after the latest government announcement working in the office is to be the exception rather than the norm. If we were to socialise off site in groups of 6 I would find it difficult to see how we could stick to the social distancing measures. Yet it is still a work function as it's organised and sanctioned by the Company and it kind of makes a mockery of social distancing guidelines in the office.

Thanks all - really helpful to have your perspectives on this 🙂