If you WFH...how many work socials would you go to, say per annum?

[shushymcshush]

If you WFH and your head office/main office is a fair way away, how many work socials would you go to, per annum? By this I mean work socials in the evening, not during usual office hours.

Do you like going to work socials? Or do you prefer to use your own time as your own time, and see socials as an extension of work?

I see work socials as an extension of work. You can't truly relax.

I'm in my late 20s with colleagues in and around the same age, so I arguably should be pleased to be invited to these events, but days away, evening events and especially a work Christmas is hard work.

I will be calling in sick on Christmas dinner day to avoid it.

Just before anyone calls me miserable... I do enjoy socialising but not at work.

I only go to socials if there is a work reason to be there. I'm 5 hours from my office so need hotel stays. If I'm needed we usually have a meeting then a social so a 2 night stay. Usually every quarter but they're not paying expenses atm so I haven't been up since May and probably won't see anyone in person till next year unless they pay them.

I’d say 0 generally but if pushed 1.

The ones I’m giving an example of are London based and I’m approx 1 hour travel away. When we had this last year in a contract I was in I went on one we work social (team building activity) and then had to go to a team lunch I’d helped organise - close to Christmas. The first one I enjoyed the activity more (go karting) but though I went to the pub afterwards I stayed for a drink or two but no food and luckily had the excuse of my brother living nearby whom I’d promised to see!

I’m early 50s so what appealed to me in my younger years definitely doesn’t appeal now.

A couple of my colleagues and bosses however when they were out loved to stay out late away from the kids and there was one certain bar they loved to drink and dance at. This was usually project driven and usually was with clients and other contractors though so eg it could be every 2-3 months.

I think if it involves a certain amount of travel then the company should ideally look into a hotel for an overnight stay.

If it means driving a far distance at night, never

My work have proposed afternoon drinks next week from 2-5pm

Everyone's attending

Work organised dos - zero. No interest.

I generally wfh but must go to all staff days 4 times per year. Fine.

Leaving dos - occasionally if I work closely with someone.

Zero.

If it’s compulsory then work need to give you time off in lieu.

work socials are enforced at my place so would be 4 minimum if you are wfh.
Senior managers note who does and doesn't attend and people don't last long if they're not seen as "team players"

I work from the office two days a week and go to socials maybe once a month but then I do see people.

If I worked further away and didn't go in at all then I'd maybe make more effort but I don't know what your role is or how important it is for you to network with your colleagues. For me, if I want to progress, it's important to build relationships with people and get to know poeple.

Realise I didn't answer your other questions.
Yes I do enjoy them. I have a lovely team and some of us are in different countries so if they are flying over I will go.
We usually have a nice meal then go and play pool/darts for those that want to.
Some drinking but not excessive. It's usually fun. We're all in our 30/40/50s .
Usually get to network with the SLT so good to get your face known and chat about life outside work.
We're usually put up in nice hotels so I often can go for a swim or spa while I'm away and I treat it like a mini break from home.

I live an 8 hour round trip from my "local" office. I'll go to a Christmas get together and another at some point in the year. My travel and accommodation will be paid and I'll have standard dinner allowance to put towards food/drink.

I wouldn't go if I had to pay for travel and accommodation. Neither will I do it on a Friday or Saturday evening.

I don't particularly enjoy them and if there's forced fun (activities) then I'll find an excuse not to go.

I'm late 30s.