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Question: My company holds a lot of staff social events. And I mean a real LOT. From team-building weekends to more casual drinks and nibbles on a Friday afternoon … and lots of things in between. But seriously, I already have SO many demands on my time! How can I dodge some of these without seeming like I’m not a team player? Jamila F.
Jamila,
Your office sounds like a happening kind of place! Wow…kudos to an organization that is interested in building camaraderie with its staff.
With only so many hours in the day, we have to prioritize what is important. It is about balance. If you are unable to attend all of the team events, it might be worthwhile to make sure you are strategic in connecting with your co-workers. Instead of attending the events, is there an intentional way of make sure that you are going to lunch with co-workers periodically to stay in the loop?
Despite the tasks we all must complete, there are often these unannounced social expectations and protocols at our places of employment. Those are the symbolic situations that are not spoken about but have serious impact because they are so embedded in the culture of the organization.
If attending these events are the norm, you can inform your supervisor/team leader that you can only attend a few quarterly because of other important commitments. It might be worthwhile to have a conversation with your boss to explain your situation and have some clarity on expectations of your time.
It will also be important to identify which of those events is critical in partnership with your supervisor. I remember telling a past supervisor that as much as I’d like to participate in all of the additional activities outside of my job, I can’t and so I’d like to discuss what is the most important to the least important activity for my involvement. Having your boss or some of your co-workers serve as advocates for you in your absence can also be helpful when you are unable to attend.
I don’t believe that It is our job to make everyone happy especially if it is at the expense of our own sanity and peace but there is a way in this instance to create a win-win opportunity for the organization and most importantly, for you. Have fun, Jamila and know that You. Got. This.
