Disappointed in junior staff

[Anonymous]

I'm a Gen Xer and I was told early in my career that all holiday parties or "fun" events are to be considered like a work obligation. You go to build relationships. These events were rarely mandatory, but people noticed who showed up. Talking to junior staff about their attendance would be helpful if they are unaware of the expectation to attend. However, it shouldn't be brought up in a performance review. It's something that a mentor would tell them as a tip on office culture. I'm assuming, too, that these junior staffers are professionals who expect to rise to higher roles.

[Anonymous]

If you are their manager, you should have let them know that fair or not, your division head cares about these events and what their absence could mean. Bringing it up at their review is not appropriate if you never spoke to them about the expectations beforehand.

As their manager, you should also know if these particular employees have expectations of advancing at the company or whether they are just collecting a paycheck. If they are just collecting a check, and they're not going to get fired for not attending, then no need to think about it again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a Gen Xer and I was told early in my career that all holiday parties or "fun" events are to be considered like a work obligation. You go to build relationships. These events were rarely mandatory, but people noticed who showed up. Talking to junior staff about their attendance would be helpful if they are unaware of the expectation to attend. However, it shouldn't be brought up in a performance review. It's something that a mentor would tell them as a tip on office culture. I'm assuming, too, that these junior staffers are professionals who expect to rise to higher roles.

I’ve always thought these things are mandatory’ish but it certainly is awkward in these virus laden times. I’m going to something on Thurs of this week that seemed too awkward to skip but there’s a decent chance it ruins my trip three days later and possibly means I bring a virus to elderly relatives.

[Anonymous]

This was terrible planning Friday and Monday in a row when many people work from
Home those days.

Also people may be wanting to avoid getting sick. I am a teacher and have been ill for over a week. Basically mandatory social events right now is not a good call

This was planned poorly by your office

[Anonymous]

They are quietly quitting. If you value them learn their culture before they really quit

[Anonymous]

I'm 55 and I'm sure as heck not going into a social function during a tripledemic unless you hold a gun to my head.

If it was regular times, sure, I would attend as an obligation. Right now? Nope.

[Anonymous]

If you want to make these things mandatory, stop pretending they're parties. Just call them what they are: meetings.

"[Big Boss] would like to get some face time with the team, so she's called a 12-2 check-in meeting on Friday. She'll be providing sandwiches and snacks, and there'll be opportunities to chat at the end. See you there."

If the boss insists on calling them parties or whatever, that's when you know that these events fulfill some kind of non-work need for her and you're all stuck being extras in her fantasy social life.

[Anonymous]

WAY too many germs out there right now for me to come to an optional work holiday party. I need to be able to make it through Christmas healthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You and your boss sound awful.

My sentiment exactly. You cannot punish people if the event is not mandatory. Make it mandatory if you want attendance. Also don't schedule events on Fridays when people yearn for a have more relaxed workday, or perhaps leave for the weekend but still put in the work.

Since your company is that sort of workplace, I suggest you tell all the employees you manage that yes indeed, you consider the holidays parties to be required in the future. Thank the ones who did attend. Do not punish the ones who did not.

+100

What's with the mind games? To exercise a modicum of power that people can't read her mind and should be punished for it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to make these things mandatory, stop pretending they're parties. Just call them what they are: meetings.

"[Big Boss] would like to get some face time with the team, so she's called a 12-2 check-in meeting on Friday. She'll be providing sandwiches and snacks, and there'll be opportunities to chat at the end. See you there."

If the boss insists on calling them parties or whatever, that's when you know that these events fulfill some kind of non-work need for her and you're all stuck being extras in her fantasy social life.

This. They aren't really parties if they aren't really optional. Call them work and make clear they are mandatory.

[Anonymous]

You explicitly said it was "not mandatory" and now you're upset they didn't show up? What's wrong with you? A lot of people don't like socializing with work people so they avoid work social activities unless they are mandatory. This is completely normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Millennials won’t work a minute longer than they are being paid to work. They have a time clock mentality.

I’m a millennial and this doesn’t ring true with me at all. But I’ve always been a highly compensated professional. How much are the millennials you’re referring to being paid?

+2

I’m a millennial and understand the importance of showing face - I’m in the office right now though I have a WFH option.

There are those who like to sh** on millennials for no discernible reason.

OP I think that while the junior employees certainly have the right to not attend these events, they’re not doing themselves any favors.

I think a lot depends on the job and the employer. Does your company promote internally and is there a chance of advancement for these employees? I've managed people in roles where there was no real way up other than leaving and those people tended to not care at all about face time or attending anything optional.

PP and yes, I work for a huge organization with a lot of growth potential. I got an internal transfer/promotion a few months ago, and a “pro” of mine is that I make the effort to come into the office. (I still WFH 2-3 days a week, but literally just coming in a couple of days is enough to set anyone apart these days - provided your manager is in!)

[Anonymous]

^^sorry, “pro” as determined by my supervisor on my 90 day review

[Anonymous]

You can't be mad if there was never any communication that it was mandatory. Stop hiding the ball. If it is mandatory, say so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yuk germ events, nooooo thank youuuuu. If it’s not mandory and parties shouldn’t be, stop giving a crap. I’m a millennial and a leadership role as well. I thought you’d say they screwed something up not just not show up to a party.

Yep, I wouldn't want to turn up to a superspreader event while three different viruses are raging.