Do you avoid work drinks like the plague?

Man wins right to be boring at work after he was fired for not going out for drinks

Many say of course he won because he had the means to sue, but I am glad he won, it's a victory against rubbish.?

It's not rocket science neither is it a crime to hate parties. Just as it's not a crime to love them.?What is a crime, is when a business puts preference on one type of person over another.

And there's a word for that it is 'discrimination'.

I also believe some work colleagues use these occasions to be rude and offensive under the guise of ‘tipsy banter’

I was once told expectantly “I’ve never been with a black woman before”. If looks could kill!

So, I can understand why some people avoid work drinks like the plague.

It creates an environment that is inequitable, exclusive, and does not have any diversity of social interaction.

Meanwhile mums, neurodivergent, disabled, Black or Brown women everywhere are too often not a culture fit & miss out

Dads with caregiving responsibilities at home, risk not being a culture fit too!

How can organisations get the balance right?

Not everyone, who is not interested in excessive drinking or promiscuity is boring! Yet, many leaders are measuring an employee's buy-in or commitment in this way.

The likes of this ‘fun’ is too often the cultural focus of organisations who claim to be inclusive!

So, just popping in to remind everyone that ‘Fun’ is subjective.

4 ways organisations may get the balance right;

1. In a psychologically safe environment, one of the true tests is the right of refusal. That includes to decline to speak, attend 'socials', and much more without being labelled as anything.?
2. It's a leader's job to walk a mile in everybody's shoes, understand each individual for who they are, and build an environment where everybody can be comfortable being their unique wonderful selves, so they can focus on doing valuable and fulfilling work.?
3. I’m not against the hype and noise of team building, but it’s often not for the introverted or reserved or those who are constrained by religious principles or matters of faith - so they should be included by respecting their desire to be excluded. Otherwise, plan something you know is truly inclusive.
4. Let people collaborate in natural ways, not forced ones. Fun is a choice, and it is wonderful when it happens naturally and not by force or with judgments of appearing antisocial.

How are you increasing the emotional currency in your workplace?

Answer 20 simple questions to get a personalised report & start to make quick, simple changes for you or your team Here

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