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Socialising at Work

  • 05-04-2017 5:37pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,012 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi everyone,

    I'm curious about opinions on socialising in the workplace.

    I started a new job about a year ago and love it. Love the work, the benefits are good and I really respect the company and its goals.

    My colleagues are all really nice,, but I really have no interest in going for lunch or coffee breaks with them throughout the day. I've been on the odd formal work socialing event, and it's been fun. I also don't mind a bit of small talk and chatting about the weekend etc. But the day to day coffee and lunch breaks, i really just don't want to engage with.

    I'm a real introvert and I find spending my lunch hour in the company of others quite draining - even if,as I say, my colleagues are quite nice. I really just want to get to work, put my head down and get the work done - while of course having the odd chat or two. I just find that these coffee breaks turn into half hours or 45 minutes away from the desk, then stress builds as I catch up on work and I end up staying late, which takes away from spending time doing things I really want to do.The canteen at lunch more often than not descends into a shouting match as people compete for space and volume to all chat to each other, and I find it frankly exhausting.

    I have lots of great things going on outside of work and so I want to leave work on time and have energy to do the things I really want to do with the people I really want to see (partner and close friends). I'm sure any other introverts on here can attest to how exhausting it can be when you don't have your space throughout the day.

    I guess my question is, is there anything wrong with my attitude? How would most people perceive a colleague (i.e: me ) who always tries to be pleasant and polite and willing to chat when you bump into them but who also very often declines the coffee/lunch break/work drink invites?

    I know management are pleased with my performance on a professional level but I guess I'm concerned, to an extent, with how I may be perceived socially among my peers.

    Curious for insight.

    Thanks.


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,626 ✭✭✭Glenster


    I guess my question is, is there anything wrong with my attitude?

    I would say no.

    I have my lunch at my desk and refuse the twice daily trips to the canteen for a coffee that turn into 20 minutes a pop. And I've known a few people who are the same.

    I've gotten attitude over it a few times, but never anything serious.

    I can't answer whether some people take it personally or not, I'm sure some do. But it's not so unusual an attitude to have that it would cause serious problems, I think.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    I'd always recommend some interaction with team members over coffee or lunch. As a former manager, I was as interested in a person's interaction with the others in the unit and seeing them as part of a sound group as I was their performance. An odd break with colleagues won't do you any harm and only good. If the break drags on, just make your excuses and go back to work.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,743 ✭✭✭Wanderer2010


    OP, there are too many workplaces out there for there to be any kind of social norm to compare with. Some places actually prefer people to mix in with their workmates at every opportunity, even if they aren't great workers. In other words, you could be very slow at your work or take a lot of sick days but, because you play in the local soccer team or you make the cakes for leaving dos etc, you are viewed more favourably that the introvert who reads a book at lunch hour or skips the Christmas party.
    I know its not fair and it was something that fired me up during my idealistic first few years of work but then you reach a stage where you don't put much stock in your workmates opinion, you cant please everyone. Some may view you as odd or aloof, others may accept it, and everyone in between probably aren't even thinking of you! As long as you do your work and you are pleasant to your workmates and enjoy your life outside of work. If it gets too much and you are being asked to a lot of social events or feel pressure for them, maybe look for another job where socializing isn't the norm.
    Remember to be satisfied in your own opinions though:

    "Do as you please.....for you will be criticised anyway..."


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Op, as an employer of both sexes and ages that range from early 50's to early 20's, it would be ideal if all employees were all friends but that just doesn't happen. They are all at different stages of life and though some have interests in common, the only things they all have in common is that they work in the same place and must all work together.

    It certainly makes for a nicer working environment if employees occasionally socialise and share some downtime. Quarterly I organise social outings, dinner after work on a Friday night with a free bar, day at the races all expenses paid etc. Unless there is a good reason for non attendance, I expect everyone to attend. I have found it is a great way for staff to blow off steam and by getting to know their colleagues a little better outside work, there is better understanding between them and more willingness to accept that everyone has off days. After starting these social events around 5 years ago I found that staff issues and conflicts have decreased significantly.

    You don't have to share your personal life with your colleagues but it does help to get to know them a little. They will be more inclined to help you if you need help in future.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 849 ✭✭✭WoolyJumper


    Yeah it really depends on your work place and what you want from your job. I worked for a company before that favoured extroverts and people who took part in the "culture" of the company. IE going on nights out and joining clubs etc. They even said to a colleague who applied for another position within the company that he wasn't out going enough and he didn't get the job. Personally I had no interest in joining the decorating committee or any other committee for that matter. I had no intention of staying/progressing in the company however.

    Recently I went through an interview process with another company and you could tell by the way the interview process was structured they were looking for outgoing, extroverted people. That is not me and needless to say I didn't get the job. A few others got hired that had much less experience than me but were much more outgoing. It seems to be growing part of corporate culture these days.

    There is nothing wrong with being an introvert and it's no reflection of your work but if you are part of a company that values participation and being social then you might have to make more of an effort with your colleagues and show your face at the odd party....if you want to progress that is. Otherwise your doing fine. It's no harm to have one or two friends at work though to get you though the day, especially if your job is miserable.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭GalwayGrrrrrl


    I feel the same as you OP, I find socialising very stressful and would prefer to go for a walk in lunchbreak than chat in a large group.
    However I have had some very good opportunities come my way from people I have chatted to at work. E.g. Lecturing work from a contact I met through chatting over tea. I try to mix quiet time with social time as I think a certain amount of socialising can be worthwhile for career progression.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 40,061 ✭✭✭✭Harry Palmr


    Obviously I have no idea about the level of your introvertedness and if you are comfortable with it then it's not a problem as such but it's no harm to interact a bit and lunch is ideal as it's a finite period, it could be good for you and your colleagues and maybe your career.

    In my place which is very relaxed as it's not office based the break chitchat is an important team bonding time, we work better together (because we like each other more!).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,743 ✭✭✭Wanderer2010


    davo10 wrote: »

    It certainly makes for a nicer working environment if employees occasionally socialise and share some downtime. Quarterly I organise social outings, dinner after work on a Friday night with a free bar, day at the races all expenses paid etc. Unless there is a good reason for non attendance, I expect everyone to attend.

    You don't have to share your personal life with your colleagues but it does help to get to know them a little. They will be more inclined to help you if you need help in future.

    What happens if you dont attend? Do you view or treat those employees any differently? Im just curious because saying you expect people to attend an event outside working hours puts pressure on people.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    What happens if you dont attend? Do you view or treat those employees any differently? Im just curious because saying you expect people to attend an event outside working hours puts pressure on people.

    Believe it or not, I actually knew you would post this. This is a couple of hours 4 days a year.

    The social outings benefit the employees every bit if not more than it benefits me, they get to know each other better together and as a result we have a better working environment. I ask and expect them to attend, but I do not demand. My staff have been with me for a long time but over the years I have certainly had to let people go who have not been a "good fit" for the group. Usually I/we spot this very early.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,168 ✭✭✭Ursus Horribilis


    I don't know enough about you, your job, your career ambitions or your workplace to answer that question definitively. It is something that could come against you though but I think you sense that already. While it's important that everyone in a job is technically competent and can do their jobs properly, it's the soft skills which grease the wheels in a workplace. As other people have suggested, you could try to split the difference. Go along to some of the breaks and then head off back to your desk after a while. If your colleagues are continuing to ask you to come along even though you keep saying no, they can't be that bad a crowd.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,743 ✭✭✭Wanderer2010


    davo10 wrote: »
    Believe it or not, I actually knew you would post this. This is a couple of hours 4 days a year.

    The social outings benefit the employees every bit if not more than it benefits me, they get to know each other better together and as a result we have a better working environment. I ask and expect them to attend, but I do not demand. My staff have been with me for a long time but over the years I have certainly had to let people go who have not been a "good fit" for the group. Usually I/we spot this very early.

    Thanks for reply, i dont know how you knew i would ask. It was just the way you phrased the outing seemed a bit pushy.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,254 ✭✭✭✭Tom Mann Centuria


    I've worked at same place for 14 years, used to go to canteen and try and make small talk, hated it, so now I just go to my car, window down, listen to the birds in trees, much better. I get an actual break that way. I've been doing that for about 12 years and no one I work with minds, we're all different, and frankly, even if they did mind, I wouldn't give a flyer.

    Oh well, give me an easy life and a peaceful death.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Thanks for reply, i dont know how you knew i would ask. It was just the way you phrased the outing seemed a bit pushy.

    As I said, after a while you tend to spot things pretty early. How did I know? Intuition.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    Believe it or not, I actually knew you would post this. This is a couple of hours 4 days a year.

    The social outings benefit the employees every bit if not more than it benefits me, they get to know each other better together and as a result we have a better working environment. I ask and expect them to attend, but I do not demand. My staff have been with me for a long time but over the years I have certainly had to let people go who have not been a "good fit" for the group. Usually I/we spot this very early.



    hate to ever be in your group as you/You sound very overbearing/judgemental!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    PREG1967 wrote: »
    hate to ever be in your group as you/You sound very overbearing/judgemental!

    Dear God.

    Boss organises 4 nights out per year where all staff are wined and dined all expenses paid, in an effort to promote team bonding and improved working environment. And you would hate to be in that group? The mind boggles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭Midnight Sundance


    davo10 wrote: »
    As I said, after a while you tend to spot things pretty early. How did I know? Intuition.

    Do you pay for these outings? If you do then great, it's a lovely gesture of appreciation to your staff. However from a different perspective, I've noticed in my place of work that it's become expected to attend certain dinners throughout the year , even though they are late in evening , in city centre ( I commute) and we've to pay for it all ourselves. I don't go to them all as I'm not paying a hotel just to satisfy my bosses need for us all to socialise outside of work. I'll try make one or two that suit.
    I already keep in touch with my workmates that I get on with outside of working hours. I sit with workmates at breakfast lunch and break time which is more than I see most of my friends and family.
    I understand why you'd want your staff to get on but I don't think it should be forced. By all means organise the nights out for those interested but don't punish those that might not be the social butterfly everyone else is.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    Dear God.

    Boss organises 4 nights out per year where all staff are wined and dined all expenses paid, in an effort to promote team bonding and improved working environment. And you would hate to be in that group? The mind boggles.
    Boss organises 4 nights out per year to assess if staff are still a "good fit".


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Do you pay for these outings? If you do then great, it's a lovely gesture of appreciation to your staff. However from a different perspective, I've noticed in my place of work that it's become expected to attend certain dinners throughout the year , even though they are late in evening , in city centre ( I commute) and we've to pay for it all ourselves. I don't go to them all as I'm not paying a hotel just to satisfy my bosses need for us all to socialise outside of work. I'll try make one or two that suit.
    I already keep in touch with my workmates that I get on with outside of working hours. I sit with workmates at breakfast lunch and break time which is more than I see most of my friends and family.
    I understand why you'd want your staff to get on but I don't think it should be forced. By all means organise the nights out for those interested but don't punish those that might not be the social butterfly everyone else is.

    Paid in full, including transport. Staff don't put hands in pocket.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    PREG1967 wrote: »
    Boss organises 4 nights out per year to assess if staff are still a "good fit".

    You've completely missed the point. The good or bad fit is obvious at work, I don't need a night out to tell me that. The social nights are a perk for the staff and a way of improving working relationships by allowing people who would not normally socialise together to talk outside of the workplace.

    The benefits of this to our workplace are not anecdotal, they are real, less tension between colleagues, better communication, better understanding of those around them.

    If it's a chore for you to spend a couple of hours a year socialising with colleagues, then it would be difficult for you to fit into some work environments where close reliance on colleagues is essential. That's what would be spotted early and you would be job hunting again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,572 ✭✭✭Colser


    davo10 wrote: »
    Paid in full, including transport. Staff don't put hands in pocket.

    Why would you have a problem with someone not wanting to attend those nights?


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    You've completely missed the point. The good or bad fit is obvious at work, I don't need a night out to tell me that. The social nights are a perk for the staff and a way of improving working relationships by allowing people who would not normally socialise together to talk outside of the workplace.

    The benefits of this to our workplace are not anecdotal, they are real, less tension between colleagues, better communication, better understanding of those around them.

    ever let someone go or thought badly about one of your workers because of something youve seen on a social night out?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    PREG1967 wrote: »
    ever let someone go or thought badly about one of your workers because of something youve seen on a social night out?

    No.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Colser wrote: »
    Why would you have a problem with someone not wanting to attend those nights?

    Because if the aim is to build a team ethos and improve working relationships, it helps when staff actually attend. What's the point in spending thousands each year if people don't attend?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    Because if the aim is to build a team ethos and improve working relationships, it helps when staff actually attend. What's the point in spending thousands each year if people don't attend?
    We use the STAR team model.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    PREG1967 wrote: »
    We use the STAR team model.

    How exciting for you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,572 ✭✭✭Colser


    davo10 wrote: »
    Because if the aim is to build a team ethos and improve working relationships, it helps when staff actually attend. What's the point in spending thousands each year if people don't attend?

    If they work well together and they're work is up to standard why judge them on whether they attend those nights or not regardless of the cost?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Colser wrote: »
    If they work well together and they're work is up to standard why judge them on whether they attend those nights or not regardless of the cost?

    They are not judged on those nights. They work better together because of those occasional social events. As I already posted, the working environment and relationships have improved since we started having these events. Particularly the relationship between older and younger staff who have nothing in common outside of work and who had previously only communicated on work related matters.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,705 ✭✭✭✭Tigger


    I'd always recommend some interaction with team members over coffee or lunch. As a former manager, I was as interested in a person's interaction with the others in the unit and seeing them as part of a sound group as I was their performance. An odd break with colleagues won't do you any harm and only good. If the break drags on, just make your excuses and go back to work.

    Your break is seperate to work, shouldn't have management watching how you interact or don't , should be left alone


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,137 ✭✭✭✭Stark


    davo10 wrote: »
    If it's a chore for you to spend a couple of hours a year socialising with colleagues, then it would be difficult for you to fit into some work environments where close reliance on colleagues is essential. That's what would be spotted early and you would be job hunting again.

    So basically you're saying that people who have kids/other dependents to look after in the evening would be singled out as "not fitting in"?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Stark wrote: »
    So basically you're saying that people who have kids/other dependents to look after in the evening would be singled out as "not fitting in"?

    No, "basically" I am not saying that. I am saying that someone who does not fit into the group dynamic of my workplace will not last. That has absolutely nothing to do with the social events. As the events are quarterly, I can't remember anyone I have let go even making it to the date of one of the events. As stated earlier, these events are not tests, I do not judge anyone on those nights, but I do expect them to attend them. They are organised well in advance and coincidently, I've often been told that they are a great excuse to get out for a night by staff with kids.

    I think you are looking for ways to complain about the "unfairness" of this.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,743 ✭✭✭Wanderer2010


    davo10 wrote: »
    You've completely missed the point. The good or bad fit is obvious at work, I don't need a night out to tell me that. The social nights are a perk for the staff and a way of improving working relationships by allowing people who would not normally socialise together to talk outside of the workplace.

    The benefits of this to our workplace are not anecdotal, they are real, less tension between colleagues, better communication, better understanding of those around them.

    If it's a chore for you to spend a couple of hours a year socialising with colleagues, then it would be difficult for you to fit into some work environments where close reliance on colleagues is essential. That's what would be spotted early and you would be job hunting again.

    Its not necessearily a given that attendence at events like this leads to better working relationships though cant you just stop trying to force everyone to get along? I went to an event like this 2 years back in my current job and although it was a nice gesture people went straight back to their groups the following week.

    Some bar food and a hired band wont make people get along, maybe your definiton of a good or bad fit needs to change, jobs can get done very well without those workmates being friends.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    Op, as an employer of both sexes and ages that range from early 50's to early 20's, it would be ideal if all employees were all friends but that just doesn't happen. They are all at different stages of life and though some have interests in common, the only things they all have in common is that they work in the same place and must all work together.

    It certainly makes for a nicer working environment if employees occasionally socialise and share some downtime. Quarterly I organise social outings, dinner after work on a Friday night with a free bar, day at the races all expenses paid etc. Unless there is a good reason for non attendance, I expect everyone to attend. I have found it is a great way for staff to blow off steam and by getting to know their colleagues a little better outside work, there is better understanding between them and more willingness to accept that everyone has off days. After starting these social events around 5 years ago I found that staff issues and conflicts have decreased significantly.

    You don't have to share your personal life with your colleagues but it does help to get to know them a little. They will be more inclined to help you if you need help in future.
    What I distrust is the kind of "casual Fridays", office social, network with the higher-ups kind of forced jollity that no one really enjoys but feel they have to attend for the sake of appeasing their managers.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,658 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Its not necessearily a given that attendence at events like this leads to better working relationships though cant you just stop trying to force everyone to get along? I went to an event like this 2 years back in my current job and although it was a nice gesture people went straight back to their groups the following week.

    Some bar food and a hired band wont make people get along, maybe your definiton of a good or bad fit needs to change, jobs can get done very well without those workmates being friends.


    Here's the thing, I don't force them to get along, I just hope they will and this helps. It's not for everyone but as stated repeatedly, it works for me and my staff. I'm picky about who I employ and this has resulted in a workforce some of whom have been with me almost 20 years. Someone with an attitude like yours would not suit my company but might be perfect for others. It is not just about doing a job, a happy working environment makes it more pleasant for everyone.

    I say again, the evidence of this working is not anecdotal.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    Here's the thing, I don't force them to get along, I just hope they will and this helps. It's not for everyone but as stated repeatedly, it works for me and my staff. I'm picky about who I employ and this has resulted in a workforce some of whom have been with me almost 20 years. Someone with an attitude like yours would not suit my company but might be perfect for others. It is not just about doing a job, a happy working environment makes it more pleasant for everyone.

    I say again, the evidence of this working is not anecdotal.
    what if they get along less as a result of your meddling?
    One of the great joys of adulthood is the ability to choose who you hang out with, and how you spend your time. By simply treating inter-office friendships as a completely normal aspect of work life and allowing for them without forcing them, management will serve their employees a lot better than creating specifically allocated times in which people are allowed to kick back and be themselves. But not too much themselves. Let’s be reasonable!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Stick with the star team model, it's sounds like fun. Do you all get stars at the end of it?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    stick your forced fun, at the end we all go home on Friday to be free from our boss and do as we please with our little bit of weekend freedom


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,168 ✭✭✭Ursus Horribilis


    I'm all for colleagues getting along well in work. I'm lucky to be working in an office where we like each other as people and get along well. But to be required to come along in our own time to an evening do smacks of forced fun. Are you sure your staff aren't telling you what you want to hear?

    I know you're saying you don't force anyone to go but there's probably an unspoken expectation there. That if you don't go, you'll stand out from the others and it could affect your career.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Patww79 wrote: »
    Something you're expected to do outside your contracted hours isn't a perk.

    Horses for courses, some groups may really appreciate it, others may dislike it, works for some, not for others. Works for me, maybe not for you. If you see it as "work", then so be it, that's between you and your employer.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    I'm all for colleagues getting along well in work. I'm lucky to be working in an office where we like each other as people and get along well. But to be required to come along in our own time to an evening do smacks of forced fun. Are you sure your staff aren't telling you what you want to hear?

    I know you're saying you don't force anyone to go but there's probably an unspoken expectation there. That if you don't go, you'll stand out from the others and it could affect your career.
    they are 'expected to attend'


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,813 ✭✭✭✭Wanderer78


    davo10 wrote:
    It certainly makes for a nicer working environment if employees occasionally socialise and share some downtime. Quarterly I organise social outings, dinner after work on a Friday night with a free bar, day at the races all expenses paid etc. Unless there is a good reason for non attendance, I expect everyone to attend. I have found it is a great way for staff to blow off steam and by getting to know their colleagues a little better outside work, there is better understanding between them and more willingness to accept that everyone has off days. After starting these social events around 5 years ago I found that staff issues and conflicts have decreased significantly.


    Would ya go way outta that, expect everybody to attend! Work a lot of the time is a means to an end, people do it to survive, but would rather be doing something else with their loved ones. The social event you described would bore the hell outta me. Life's too short


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    I'm all for colleagues getting along well in work. I'm lucky to be working in an office where we like each other as people and get along well. But to be required to come along in our own time to an evening do smacks of forced fun. Are you sure your staff aren't telling you what you want to hear?

    I know you're saying you don't force anyone to go but there's probably an unspoken expectation there. That if you don't go, you'll stand out from the others and it could affect your career.

    They could very well be, but I do know that tensions in the work place have gone down a lot as the group have gotten to know each other a little better. I had noticed that in particular the older staff didn't communicate at all with the younger staff except on a work level and this at times led to tension and misunderstandings. Also tensions built up between staff because of the way they rely on each other and work so closely together. Communicating outside of work, just for a couple of hours a year has led to a lowering of tensions and better working relationships. Effectively they get to know each other as people rather than just colleagues.

    This may not work for some, but it does work for us.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Wanderer78 wrote: »
    Would ya go way outta that, expect everybody to attend! Work a lot of the time is a means to an end, people do it to survive, but would rather be doing something else with their loved ones. The social event you described would bore the hell outta me. Life's too short

    This isn't solely about work, it's about how you get on with your colleagues at work and making it a better place you work, where you might actually enjoy it rather than just viewing it as a means to an end. As I said, I'd spot you long before the next social event.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 242 ✭✭PREG1967


    davo10 wrote: »
    They could very well be, but I do know that tensions in the work place have gone down a lot as the group have gotten to know each other a little better. I had noticed that in particular the older staff didn't communicate at all with the younger staff except on a work level and this at times led to tension and misunderstandings. Also tensions built up between staff because of the way they rely on each other and work so closely together. Communicating outside of work, just for a couple of hours a year has led to a lowering of tensions and better working relationships. Effectively they get to know each other as people rather than just colleagues.

    This may not work for some, but it does work for us.
    4 nights a year sounds like more than a couple of hours of forced fun to me, do the staff get paid overtime for having to attend?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,813 ✭✭✭✭Wanderer78


    davo10 wrote:
    This isn't solely about work, it's about how you get on with your colleagues at work and making it a better place you work, where you might actually enjoy it rather than just viewing it as a means to an end. As I said, I'd spot you long before the next social event.

    When you get older, you truly do realise the most important things in life, and spending more time with work colleagues generally isn't one of them, even though I have and do, but by doing things we all like doing. The event you described would bore the hell outta me and others, and we probably wouldn't partake, I certainly wouldn't. You truly would need to pull something amazing outta of the bag to get me interested, I have little or no interest in the normal things that are considered 'socialising', and I'm not alone. I'd consider the normal methods of socialising as extremely boring, including your given example. What do you mean by 'spot you', it sounds a bit weird?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,519 ✭✭✭GalwayGrrrrrl


    I think the difference in replies comes from two camps. Those who want a "job" and those who want a "career". Career people should use the opportunity to network at the social events to progress their career and probably do enjoy these events. Job people want to do their hours, go home and not think about work once they clock off.
    It would be interesting to see if "job" people are back on here in three years moaning about low wages, lack of promotion, boring work etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭lisasimpson


    Getting back to the original post...id be a bit the same...ive my own few that i go on teabreaks with but not everyday. One reason my original crew have moved on or else i dont want to get involved in any cattiness if it was goig on..I dont like going to work events. Im not a big drinker so at times get hassle over the fact i dont be availing of the free bar. In our company less and less are going to staff nights out. Somethings they are just too much effort. Didnt go to the last 2 christmas parties and i dont feel like i missed out on anything. In fact most didnt go to the last
    it doesnt bother me coz they are going to talk about you regardlss whether you mix or not


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,768 ✭✭✭✭tomwaterford


    PREG1967 wrote: »
    4 nights a year sounds like more than a couple of hours of forced fun to me, do the staff get paid overtime for having to attend?

    TBF noone is going to get paid to eat free food and have free drink....a bit of reality deosnt go amiss



    But I do think 4 times a year is excessive,I wouldn't hardly go out that often socially anyway,no mind with work people


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    Wanderer78 wrote: »
    When you get older, you truly do realise the most important things in life, and spending more time with work colleagues generally isn't one of them, even though I have and do, but by doing things we all like doing. The event you described would bore the hell outta me and others, and we probably wouldn't partake, I certainly wouldn't. You truly would need to pull something amazing outta of the bag to get me interested, I have little or no interest in the normal things that are considered 'socialising', and I'm not alone. I'd consider the normal methods of socialising as extremely boring, including your given example. What do you mean by 'spot you', it sounds a bit weird?

    I agree it is not for everyone. Different jobs, different employers, different working environments. You would not like working here, the staff/myself would probably pick up pretty quickly that you aren't interested in buying into this ethic so I don't spend to long trying to explain its merits. My job is not to entertain you nor pull "something out of the bag", but the gesture of providing free nights where staff can let their hair down would seem to be well received and certainly has achieved its goal.

    Experience has taught me that employees who are happy at work, work better together and stay longer with the company. A job as a means to an end is fine for a lot of people but I don't think it is ground breaking to say that if people like their job and the people they work with, it makes life a hell of a lot easier for everyone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭lisasimpson


    Its not all about free nights and nigts out are too relax not to be vetted. Yes everyone needs to be social at work but 4 nights a year might be a bit much.
    Do you do anything during work ie. Pizza and office games during a lunch break, take team out for lunch etc would be a lot handier for people esp for those with families or those communiting


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