Some workplaces organise dinners, celebrations, retreats, networking sessions and team-building activities.
These events may help colleagues communicate outside their usual responsibilities. However, problems can arise when supposedly optional activities become an unofficial requirement.
Before joining a workplace, understand how social events fit into the position.
IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF EVENTS
Employees may be invited to:
● Team lunches
● Evening dinners
● Award ceremonies
● Industry events
● Weekend retreats
● Holiday celebrations
● Volunteer activities
● Informal gatherings
● Online social sessions
The timing, frequency and purpose of these activities can affect whether they are practical for you.
ASK WHETHER ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED
Clarify whether events are:
● Compulsory
● Optional
● Held during working hours
● Scheduled after work
● Included in performance expectations
● Connected to customer responsibilities
● Required for particular positions
If attendance is compulsory, ask whether the time counts as working time and whether transportation is provided.
CHECK THE COSTS
Some social or networking events create additional expenses.
These may include:
● Transportation
● Meals
● Suitable clothing
● Accommodation
● Childcare
● Contributions to celebrations
● Event registration
Ask what the employer covers. Employees should not discover important costs only after joining.
CONSIDER PERSONAL BOUNDARIES
You may prefer to keep professional and personal life separate.
Think about whether you are comfortable with:
● Evening activities
● Alcohol-centred events
● Sharing personal information
● Frequent informal messaging
● Social-media photographs
● Weekend gatherings
● Pressure to participate
You can be cooperative and professional without sharing every part of your private life.
ASSESS THE PROFESSIONAL VALUE
Some activities provide useful opportunities to learn, communicate or build industry connections. Others may have little relationship to the work.
Consider whether the events:
● Support genuine teamwork
● Include all employees fairly
● Respect religious and personal differences
● Provide useful professional contact
● Remain optional when described as optional
Smart job matching should consider whether the wider workplace environment suits your preferences.
SOCIAL-EVENT CHECKLIST
Before accepting the position:
● Ask what events are normally organised.
● Confirm whether attendance is compulsory.
● Check whether events occur during working hours.
● Understand which expenses are covered.
● Consider your personal and religious boundaries.
● Decide whether the expectations suit your lifestyle.
WRAPPING UP
Workplace events can strengthen professional relationships, but they should be organised with clear expectations and respect for individual circumstances.
Understand how much participation the position requires before deciding whether the wider working environment is right for you.
READY TO FIND A WORKPLACE THAT RESPECTS YOUR PRIORITIES?
Complete your JobsterX Career Profile and explore opportunities aligned with your preferred working environment.