[iepathos]

Getting to know your coworkers in more social environments eases interactions with them in the workplace. As a senior/staff level engineer working with and coordinating across teams, socializing to build repertoire and ease these interactions pays dividends quickly. HR asking if you'll go to company parties is their indirect way of probing to see if you could handle this aspect to fit a senior role, but it's not imo the best way to find out if someone can handle this. As someone who doesn't drink alcohol, I totally understand where you're coming from not wanting to go to parties or bars after work. I try to socialize before and after meetings with coworkers, during lunch breaks, etc. outside of party/drinking scenarios.