Last Day Lunch

[Anonymous]

Colleague’s last day is today. Our director arranged a luncheon for this person. Leaver did not come in to the office today.

[Anonymous]

That was a nice gesture by your director.

From what I read, lots of workers don't like or appreciate in office gatherings.

Maybe something unexpected happened to leaving person.
If not, feels like burnt bridge. Perhaps they don't care.

[Anonymous]

Did the person know or was it a surprise? I didn’t come in the Friday of my last week. I had turned everything in, said my goodbyes and frankly there was nothing left to do.

[Anonymous]

This person was copied on the invite


quote=Anonymous]Did the person know or was it a surprise? I didn’t come in the Friday of my last week. I had turned everything in, said my goodbyes and frankly there was nothing left to do.

[Anonymous]

When was the invite sent? I can honestly see not noticing it when on the way out. Very rude if they knew and didn't say anything but if the boss failed to confirm with them then it's on the boss.

[Anonymous]

Maybe they weren't feeling well. It doesn't matter, its just a lunch.

[Anonymous]

Not enough info for us to get mad as OP hoped

[Anonymous]

I am so over my managers that once I leave, I will make it clear that I don't want anything-- card, gift, nothing. Just show me where the exit sign is.

[Anonymous]

Did the rest of you still get lunch?

[Anonymous]

Interesting. I wonder how they'll return their company equipment (laptop, etc).

[Anonymous]

My two cents (informed by 25 years of work experience): you should only do a farewell lunch when someone retires or reluctantly leaves because they were recruited for a too good to be true position.

Why?

Because everyone else is leaving because they are done with your org and are looking forward to being done with you.

No need to sign a card, buy a gift, host a lunch, or do one of those online cards when the person is happily moving on (and certainly not when they are kicked to the curb).

At best, you can acknowledge it in a nice reply all email saying nice things/wishing them well where others can chime in (or not). Or say something at the last staff meeting (although that can be awkward).

PS - The person likely stopped working once they gave notice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting. I wonder how they'll return their company equipment (laptop, etc).

People either ship it back or drop it off their last day in the office and “work” offline or logging in via their own computer for the last few days.