THE COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY - Please don't force staff to go...!

Newchodge · Dec 22, 2025

I cannot believe there are members of this forum who believe that an employee is not entitled to refuse an invitation to an out of hours work event, for whatever reason or for none. Could you try to join the 20th century?

Ashley_Price · Dec 22, 2025

Newchodge said:
I cannot believe there are members of this forum who believe that an employee is not entitled to refuse an invitation to an out of hours work event, for whatever reason or for none. Could you try to join the 20th century?

And then get even more up to date with the 21st Century.

But seriously, this is the thing, the comments on here show there is still a mindset of "You are obligated to do as your employer says, whether you want to or not."

Newchodge · Dec 22, 2025

Ashley_Price said:
And then get even more up to date with the 21st Century.

One step (or century) at a time

NickGrogan · Dec 22, 2025

Never been to a Christmas party.

In one of my earliest jobs, I was told it was compulsory as it was during work hours. I asked if they'd sack me for not going. They said no.

So not compulsory then...

Ashley_Price · Dec 22, 2025

NickGrogan said:
Never been to a Christmas party.

You lucky duck!

NickGrogan · Dec 22, 2025

HFE Signs said:
I do feel for you but unfortunately you can't expect the world to change for you.

Why not?

fisicx · Dec 22, 2025

Ashley_Price said:
But seriously, this is the thing, the comments on here show there is still a mindset of "You are obligated to do as your employer says, whether you want to or not."

Those that think this are in the minority.

Ashley_Price · Dec 22, 2025

Gecko001 said:
I am surprised that the employer seemed to think that it was a privilege for a temp to be asked to go to the office party. Are temps usually not expected to be invited to an office party if they have been working for a period up to Christmas?

As a temp I never expected to be invited to anything. I was being hired for a short period initially (although it actually became over a year because I'd make myself indispensable) but in reality as a temp you don't know if you're still going to be needed the next day, let alone up until and beyond Christmas.

HFE Signs · Dec 22, 2025

Ashley_Price said:
You don't need to feel for me - I am happy as I am. I am married, my wife is my best friend, that's all I need.

And where did I say I wanted the world to change for me????

I am simply saying that if someone doesn't like going to the Company Christmas Party they shouldn't be forced into doing so.

How can someone 'force' you to go? Do they send a riot van and overpower you into it? You need to be more assertive like I said previously, you take control of your life.

Anyway, whatever you do, enjoy the break and don't overthink stuff, the others won't be wasting as much energy on it.

Ashley_Price · Dec 22, 2025

HFE Signs said:
How can someone 'force' you to go? Do they send a riot van and overpower you into it? You need to be more assertive like I said previously, you take control of your life.

Anyway, whatever you do, enjoy the break and don't overthink stuff, the others won't be wasting as much energy on it.

I'm a Churchwarden, I HAVE to overthink stuff... it kind of comes with the role. What if the Rector rolls in drunk? What if he doesn't turn up?* What if the organist "goes off on one"? What happens if someone in the congregation starts throwing mince pies?

All far fetched I know, but we do have to think of things that don't trouble most people, so we can anticipate what to do so it affects the congregation as little as possible.

* Back in the 1970s, so obviously way before my time, a previous Rector was absent for a Baptism... after ringing him and going round to the Vicarage and getting no answer he was finally found in the pub across the road having completely forgotten about the Baptism.

SillyBill · Dec 22, 2025

We do a Xmas party and a few people never come, doesn't bother me as the boss, I don't personally believe in enforced fun and the basis of our invitation is basically " if you want to". I always state to my GM to make it clear its not an expectation to come so noone feels forced. We are a very male / heavy drinker type company, simply from most of the staff being shop-floor based - that is the "profile" of most of the company's workers. Therefore I get it that those that don't come tend to fall into the camp of not particularly being interested getting tanked up on the Company's dime, and that is quite okay for me. We generally buy flowers, chocolates/arrange another gift for those that don't come, feels fair then, all get a bit spent on them for a thanks.

tony84 · Dec 22, 2025

SillyBill said:
We do a Xmas party and a few people never come, doesn't bother me as the boss, I don't personally believe in enforced fun and the basis of our invitation is basically " if you want to". I always state to my GM to make it clear its not an expectation to come so noone feels forced. We are a very male / heavy drinker type company, simply from most of the staff being shop-floor based - that is the "profile" of most of the company's workers. Therefore I get it that those that don't come tend to fall into the camp of not particularly being interested getting tanked up on the Company's dime, and that is quite okay for me. We generally buy flowers, chocolates/arrange another gift for those that don't come, feels fair then, all get a bit spent on them for a thanks.

I think this is bob on.
Do something geared up to the masses and a little token for the people who would rather not go.

Cant say fairer than that.

WaveJumper · Dec 23, 2025

I work from home I organised a Christmas party for myself and decided I wasn't going to turn up, the caterers (wife) had already laid on the buffet can I still claim this as a Christmas party expense on my next tax return

japancool · Dec 23, 2025

I'll go, as long we're not forced to eat turkey. I'm fairly sure it's illegal.

ctrlbrk · Dec 23, 2025

japancool said:
I'll go, as long we're not forced to eat turkey. I'm fairly sure it's illegal.

I used to be addicted to turkey. They made me go cold turkey. I did not like it.

tony84 · Dec 23, 2025

ctrlbrk said:
I used to be addicted to turkey. They made me go cold turkey. I did not like it.

Did you have it packed to the rafters?
(If you dont get that joke, a group of turkeys is called a rafter)

Lucan Unlordly · Dec 28, 2025

Ashley_Price said:
And I have declined weddings and family functions - they are simply not my thing.

Which pretty much sums it up......

Weddings are not meant to be your thing, they're the 'thing' of the Bride and Groom who have particularly requested your presence to celebrate one of the most important days of their life!
It's their choice whether they want to get married in a register office with the mother in law and office cleaner as witnesses or to do so in front of friends and family. I think it discourteous to decline.

If I'm invited to a function I go, if they bang 2 dustbin lids together my missus dances. If it ends late I'm still there barring exceptional circumstances. It's the least I can do...

WaveJumper · Dec 29, 2025

Is she a "rubbish" dancer by any chance

tony84 · Dec 29, 2025

WaveJumper said:
Is she a "rubbish" dancer by any chance

I thought we were done with the dodgy jokes? Havnt we bin there and done that?

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THE COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY - Please don't force staff to go...!