Refusing to socialise with colleagues

cork said:
I heard of a case over Christmas where a guy was let go because he could not remember the names of the people he was working with.

There is a happy medium.
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But was this before or after the party? :)
 
Interesting thread, this. It's a year since the last comment was posted and another Christmas has passed. The economy is improving, some people have a few more bob in their pockets. Where I work the local management have got brainwave after brainwave e.g. seeking suggestions to improve things (something they are already being pad for! and of course, Let's all work as a better team (from people who wouldn't see teamwork in the Irish Rugby Team).

I know I'm a terminal carrier of the cynic virus (I've been driven this way) so a year on . . . do you still think the same of Christmas parties . . . and other after work activities inspired by management?
 
We haven't had a Christmas party in years. Suits me fine to be honest, I see enough of the people I work with at work, I wouldn't be too bothered to socialise with them.
 
I think it really depends on your stage in life. if you're a settled parent with kids - you may not have the time nor the inclination to socialise with work. If you're a new joiner - someone who's moved to a new location with work - then you may be looking to increase your social interaction and work can be a great place to make friends.

I work for a consultancy company - we are out on site all the time - and don't get to know others from the company. Which can be a hindrance when trying to look for some assistance on your customers work. In that case the social elements are essential to form work connections.
 
No big Christmas party for us this year. It is a shame - I missed the catch up with opportunity with seldom seen colleagues. Have I changed my mind? No, I would still on the whole be in favour of work-related socialising and I do like Christmas parties but I understand fully that they are optional and do not suit everyone!
 
I usually do not, but three months ago I attended our Christmas Party. We went to an upmarket restaurant and paid through the nose for what we ate. The meal was exceptional and our small staff appeared to enjoy the whole night. Half the people of our group were recovering alcoholics and remained so and the others respected the whole get-together. In short we had a good and enjoyable night out.

I observed ladies at a nearby table on their Christmas Night Out. I could hear them saying that their meal was company sponsored, but the drinks were at their own expense. One lady remained sober and drank a soft drink or two as the night progressed. The rest just ordered another bottle of Moet as they finished one. This went on for some hours. I could see the lady on soft drinks getting somewhat concerned and she made an excuse and left the party soon after the meal. The others continued to gulp champagne like it was going to run out. I should point out here that the champagne was coming in at around €100 per bottle (+ Service Charge). They received their bill at the same time we received ours. You should have seen their faces which showed that their Christmas Night Out cost them much more than they anticipated. Great way to ruin a whole Christmas and staff friendships.
 
The best Christmas Party I ever had was my very first one. Fresh out of college, I was working for a bank on a large project. Over half of the 14 or so team members were contractors, making nice money. They each put 100 pounds into a kitty and brought us out for the night. The only rule was that if the money was not spent, it was gone. It was my first time having Champage coctails!! The official Christmas Party was a much duller affair, although I did buy my manager a Playboy calendar as I had him for Kris Kindle. He was happy too!
 
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