spouses

I went to a holiday business party this evening and sat with five people who didn’t have their significant other with them. It was a good time meeting people in different fields and sharing a few laughs. It also reminded me how people grapple with trying to get spouses to attend company parties.
Here’s my take: It’s good to encourage a spouse to attend a company holiday party – if and only if they bring a positive attitude with them. When you’re at a company function, your behavior matters.When you bring a spouse, so does theirs.
Attending company functions can strengthen relationships and conversations about the workplace. It’s an opportunity for spouses to put a face with names that you might mention, and it gives co-workers an opportunity to see another part of your life outside of the workplace.
At tonight’s function, most of the people at my table didn’t bring a significant other with them because it wasn’t convenient to meet them downtown on a Monday evening. Sometimes convenience isn’t the issue. It’s all about attitudes. If you’re battling with a spouse who really doesn’t want to attend a company holiday party, despite your urging, don’t push it. Remember, only you know your spouse.
Business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter once shared a story wiith me about how a compaany president used the company’s holiday party to thank employees for a great year. One spouse yelled out in a crowded room, “If everyone is so wonderful, why do yo pay them so little? Not good.
If a spouse begrudgingly accompanies you, or if you know there’s a chance an unfortunate incident could happen, why risk it?