[betterthanlast]

The problem is that this works both ways.

I hate mandatory fun with a fiery passion. I absolutely dread these events (I’d do a happy hour any time, but these artificial things kill me).

Having said that, I’ve had several people on my team ask me for them.

Because of how I feel I know that others will hate them too and won’t be comfortable skipping the social event, but if I don’t organize something retention still drops.

It’s gotten more complex with remote work since we can’t do a quick thing “after work” but actually leave the office early that day so people still go home on time and because Zoom socials are awkward and unsatisfying compared to in person events and we have people on the team half a continent away now.

I think we’re headed towards a “retreat” type strategy where we either bring the people who are far away into the primary location for a week, or we all go somewhere. I don’t like either one of those options.