It was right as the green bagels were circulating on St. Patrick’s Day that I realized I should be more grateful for Human Resources’ efforts to put together a fun and festive work event.
HR departments around the country spend thousands of hours planning corporate events that are designed to build morale and encourage communication. Some work well, others fail miserably. Regardless of the perceived outcome, here are the minimum requirements for attending HR-thrown events:
[See the best careers for 2010.]
As an employee, you should:
Show your face. I don’t care if you’re swamped with work, sick to your stomach, or planning on leaving the job in three days, it’s imperative that you attend–even if it’s only for a few minutes. No-shows are quietly judged by both management and their peers, and no one likes someone who is “too good” or “too busy” to make an appearance.
Act responsibly. From the food you take to the topic of conversation you choose, no matter how relaxed the event, you are still on company time and must act accordingly.
[See why they made you show up in a snowstorm.]
Break outside of your clique. Sticking with your “usual” group during work leisure activities makes other people feel excluded. You are an adult and there’s no need to align too closely to any one person or group. Your behavior and work accomplishments/failures are solely tied to you. Spread your wings and make the rounds.
Read more of my article at U.S. News and World Report.
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