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Court puts the kibosh on mandatory "work fun" activities

BacktoCricaddict

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BacktoCricaddict Grand Master

BacktoCricaddict

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 https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-right-not-to-be-fun-at-work

 

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In another win for workplace dignity, one of the nation’s highest courts recently suggested that businesses cannot force their employees to participate in office parties and other supposedly enjoyable activities.

 

I love my job.  And I like working with my colleagues.  But I have strongly resisted the pressure to socialize with them against my will. 

 

Them: "Let's go to lunch to discuss this proposal" 

Me: "No, let's just meet in my office."

 

Them: "Let's have a 2-day retreat to make curriculum changes"

Me: "No, let's just get a conference room and knock it out in 4 hours.

 

Them: "Thank God it's Friday ... we should hang out at the bar after work today." 

Me: "Thank goodness it's Friday.  I get to go home and sit on the couch early.  C'ya."

 

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nevada Grand Master

nevada

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You risk being perceived as an insulated, anti-social person if you keep out of ALL fun activities. I feel it's better to participate once in a while, if it's within office hours.  I went bowling where I once fluked out and knocked off all pins back to back,  watched  movies etc as part of team outings. I totally understand aversion to after hour happy hours, other "fun activities" etc. I feel that I have already given my day to work and don't want to give my evening as well. 

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LordPrabhzy Veteran

LordPrabhzy

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9 hours ago, BacktoCricaddict said:

 https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-right-not-to-be-fun-at-work

 

 

I love my job.  And I like working with my colleagues.  But I have strongly resisted the pressure to socialize with them against my will. 

 

Them: "Let's go to lunch to discuss this proposal" 

Me: "No, let's just meet in my office."

 

Them: "Let's have a 2-day retreat to make curriculum changes"

Me: "No, let's just get a conference room and knock it out in 4 hours.

 

Them: "Thank God it's Friday ... we should hang out at the bar after work today." 

Me: "Thank goodness it's Friday.  I get to go home and sit on the couch early.  C'ya."

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

 

if you don't go to a work social once in a while.. youre doing yourself a disservice.. many work relationships are strengthened this way and it helps in your future careers atleast indirectly. Don't get me wrong i do like to plop myself on the sofa most times but we are social creatures. Human interaction and social elements are as important to our development

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Mariyam Grand Master

Mariyam

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I'm divided on this.

 

If you are doing something that you like, and are surrounded by people who also take a keen interest in their work, post office hour socialising can be enriching. And fun.

I suspect this is the case with Prof @BacktoCricaddict?

 

There is also discussion on approaches, latching on to frank feedback that is held back when everyone is competitive and one-upmanship is the norm.

Can't hurt.

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Khota Veteran

Khota

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On 1/31/2023 at 5:40 PM, BacktoCricaddict said:

 https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-right-not-to-be-fun-at-work

 

 

I love my job.  And I like working with my colleagues.  But I have strongly resisted the pressure to socialize with them against my will. 

 

Them: "Let's go to lunch to discuss this proposal" 

Me: "No, let's just meet in my office."

 

Them: "Let's have a 2-day retreat to make curriculum changes"

Me: "No, let's just get a conference room and knock it out in 4 hours.

 

Them: "Thank God it's Friday ... we should hang out at the bar after work today." 

Me: "Thank goodness it's Friday.  I get to go home and sit on the couch early.  C'ya."

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

I disagree a little bit. One should not be forced to socialize but after work activities do build a team. Work is comples and you need to be on the same page with everyone and you can get better results with a team concept.

 

Based on your post you sound like a loner. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

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Trichromatic Mentor

Trichromatic

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On 2/1/2023 at 6:22 AM, BacktoCricaddict said:

I guess.  But nothing gets done at these "working" lunches/retreats etc.  Just another excuse for gossip and bitch-fests.  I have ICF for that, no?

 

What's the issue if it's done during office hours?

 

Getting paid for attending happy hours and lunches is good.

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Mariyam Grand Master

Mariyam

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Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, coffee_rules said:

+8525899075

Hate the forced social mingling outside work. 
same old conversations- where did one go on vacation, etc. If we have enough friends outside work, why force more at workplace too. Thank god, we don’t have secret santa etc. Heard it s big in India!! Pedmundevu…

Your post reminded me of youtube comments from when YT just started out.

 

People would comment under songs:

+92363637912891, Hamid, Faisalabad

bhot achcha gnaa

Edited by Mariyam
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BacktoCricaddict Grand Master

BacktoCricaddict

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1 hour ago, coffee_rules said:

+8525899075

Hate the forced social mingling outside work. 
same old conversations- where did one go on vacation, etc. If we have enough friends outside work, why force more at workplace too. Thank god, we don’t have secret santa etc. Heard it s big in India!! Pedmundevu…

Secret Santa?  WTF? 

 

And in my 18-yr career as a college professor, I have reached as far as I want to ... by just doing my job the best I can ... and without any schmoozing.  I have no desire to have "people under me" and all that stuff for which my IT-buddies strive.

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LordPrabhzy Veteran

LordPrabhzy

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2 hours ago, BacktoCricaddict said:

Secret Santa?  WTF? 

 

And in my 18-yr career as a college professor, I have reached as far as I want to ... by just doing my job the best I can ... and without any schmoozing.  I have no desire to have "people under me" and all that stuff for which my IT-buddies strive.

OK uncleji :hatsoff:

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jf1gp_1 Mentor

jf1gp_1

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On 2/1/2023 at 10:31 AM, nevada said:

You risk being perceived as an insulated, anti-social person if you keep out of ALL fun activities. I feel it's better to participate once in a while, if it's within office hours.  I went bowling where I once fluked out and knocked off all pins back to back,  watched  movies etc as part of team outings. I totally understand aversion to after hour happy hours, other "fun activities" etc. I feel that I have already given my day to work and don't want to give my evening as well. 

If you don't plan to go up the food chain or aren't already at the top of food chain then its fine to avoid. However even if moderately ambitious these are the events. 

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nevada Grand Master

nevada

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Posted (edited)

What is secret Santa? Is it that thing where everyone brings a crappy gift and they draw a lottery to decide who gets which? I ended up with a big whiskey flask and contributed one of those chia pet things. 

Edited by nevada
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