Do you socialise with employees you line manager?

[MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel]

I manage a team of 10 people. Mix of men and women and age ranges.

They have decided to arrange a team outing and invited me along. I like them all, on the face of it I have no issues attending but then started to doubt if it is appropriate for me to do so?

My husband has manager responsibilities in his job and has always tried to keep a separation between him and his staff, but we're in completely different professions. His is much more scrutinised by the public.

I'm new to being a manager, so still navigating my way through it and so I would appreciate guidance from the experienced line managers of MN.

in my experience it helps build team loyalty by being part of the team, id use it as an intelligence gathering exercise and to build team spirt.

WTAF? An intelligence gathering exercise? It’s a team outing, not a training ground for the secret service.

I think you’ve been watching too much crap TV

Yes Spooks, and Alias

A meal is fine and maybe one drink to buy a round but after that I would leave. I think that there needs to be a happy medium where you are participating with the group event, getting to know them in a more relaxed environment but avoiding any tricky situations or misunderstandings which are usually alcohol related.

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses and I'm really grateful to everyone for taking the time.

I have taken on board all the advice and I think I have decided to go for the meal and then leave them to it.

If you get the train home rather than stay over, do you think some team members who have had to make complex childcare arrangements to stay overnight may feel it is unfair? You may find the fact you are attending as a day trip leads to lots leaving early to get a train home the same day.

A work get together with a lot of colleagues- yes. One on one friendship outside of work- absolutely not.

Make sure you leave enough for them to buy a round with

I'd go along if they've invited you, after all, you're not muscling in on their night out or forcing yourself on them.

act professionally, dont say anything you'll regret the day after but also hang loose and be fun and friendly with no air of hierarchy.

Most do not have young children, they have adult children or no children. So no concerns there.

My first boss used to come to meals, buy a round and then go home. At the time (I was early 20s) I thought it was a bit boring of him, but he had young kids and now I look back, I think it was a sensible decision not least because we got up to all sorts.