I was under the impression that because I have a contract, I only have to do what is specified in the contract? i.e. what my job is

@th3no0b Why did you bother to ask a question if you already have the answer?

'under the impression' is not the same as 'I know that'. This is exactly why I answered the question - to find out.

@th3no0b you are only obligated to do what is in your contract. They cannot force you to attend a Christmas party. What I ment by that was, if all you are going to do is argue with the people answering your question, why post it.

trust me, you don't want to be the guy who is "technically right". If you value your career you will suck it up and go hang out with your co-workers for an afternoon.

I'm not trying to argue, I was just trying to discuss. Now - again, not trying to argue - I'm a little confused why your answer says 'Yes they are' but now you're saying 'you are only obligated to do what is in your contract'?

Also - I'm not trying to be 'technically right', I'm just, in truth, looking for a way out of this event, without using my holiday - because it seems wrong to me that that's the only option.

@th3no0b they can't force you to go. You can either take holiday time, or request to work instead. They are also allowed to deny you working. Then you would need to take holiday time, but they cannot force you to attend.

Okay, so I should request to work instead, and if that is denied, my only options is to take holiday?

@th3no0b - does your contract say anything like "... and other tasks as assigned by your manager"?

@th3no0b pretty much, but again, I highly recommend you just go.

@JoeStrazzere Unsure, I would have to check

@SaggingRufus why do you think I should go?

1) its team building showing up to these event build trust among colleagues. 2) your boss asked you to go. Not going conflicts with this, so unless theres a good reason, I don't really see the point in being stubborn about it 3) I honestly don't see a reason not to "because I don't want to" is not a reason. 4) There is literally no downside to going

@th3no0b Social interaction is a KEY component of work, business and furthering your career. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that getting along with people is more important than anything else (Trust me, you have to be really good for people to put up with a bad attitude for long). You're not only creating a conflict where there doesn't need to be one, but you're also actively sabotaging your relationships and career

@th3no0b - you might want to check that before you try using an "if it's not in my contract then I don't have to do it" approach.

@SaggingRufus regarding 3) just because you dont see a reason doesnt mean there isnt one. I also dont like to go to those party because I get really bored. I dont drink, dont dance and very selective with the food. I can do the effort to be there but is tiring and then get me in a bad mood. So is very downside from there

Btw I agree with all the rest. But in my case I just take the day off. I rather do my relationship interactions on other ways.

This is a team building exercise I've never yet seen such an event build a stronger team. I have seen them result in some people hating each others guts because of remarks made or actions done which were inappropriate. Team building exercises that include alcohol are a very bad idea, IMO.

@StephenG depends on the company. Mine has these events, people get drunk, and it's wonderful for team building. But they do it on a saturday and it's not mandatory.

@StephenG every one I've been to (probably a couple dozen over three companies) has done wonders in terms of team building. Just different experiences I guess.