Can turning down invitations to Company events hurt my career in the long run? ?
March 8, 2010 by
Filed under company event ideas
My Company always hold events for it’s employees, like Picnics and Parties. I’m always turning down invitations because I always have something planned for that day. I’ve noticed that they have passed me up for opportunities for advancement and never take my opinions in to consideration. I always have ideas and inputs at meetings, but then other people end up getting credited for it. Am I over reacting? or Does turning down invitations have anything to do with how Companies view you?
It can bc they may think you are being antisocial or “snooty”. Try going to a couple events and see if things change, then you’ll know for sure.
I would say yes, to a certain point.
You need to be a certain amount of a team player. That involves getting involved with company picnics and outtings. Going to them, and seriously trying to enjoy yourself shows that you are willing to be devoted, to give to the company of not only your 8-5, 40 hr work week, but some of your own personal time. It also shows that you can be outgoing, energetic, something that bosses like to see in their executives.
It doesn’t mean you have to marry yourself to your company and its timetable. By devoting yourself only to company, you devalue your own life and cheat yourself out of your own interests and friends.
But I would say to try and make an effort a few times. One good picnic would do a lot of good for people to remember you later on.
Depending on your company’s workplace environment it can play a large part or non at all. From what you describe it seems as if your company is determined to create an environment in which employees feel as is they are part of more than just a ‘company’ by having these firm sponsored events.
If you plan on staying with this company and advancing it would be in your best interest to start attending at least some of these functions. In an environment like this it is important to be seen. If you are not attending these events then you are just another employee. By attending these events you can make closer connections with seniors, managers, partners, bosses, etc. who will learn who you are. By just being there it will show that you are interested in the company for more than just a pay check. It will also allow you to learn more about your seniors and they can learn more about you and your goals which will influence their consideration in advancements.
You may have to cancel some of your other plans every now and then to be able to be a part of these events. It is a sacrifice you will have to make if you expect to not continue to be overlooked or ignored.
Truthfully, it is a good idea to attend company events such as dinners and picnics as that is the time when people get to know each other outside of the office setting. It also shows your appreciation to your company for holding these types of events for the staff.
Even if you can just go for a little while and then leave it’s better than missing the whole event.
It hurts you in both the short term and the long term (if you even have a long term). You are expected to attend. It isn’t said but it’s absolutely true.
Welcome to the reality of corporate life.