Would you expect to be “compensated” if you couldn’t attend a Christmas party?

[EastCoastCdn]

I was speaking with a colleague about this. He is not able to attend the Christmas party that is being paid for by our employer. He has said that he will be asking for a gift card that has a value equal to what will be paid for other staff to attend. We’re going to dinner and have to choose a starter, main and dessert from a fixed price menu of options, so he knows how much will be spent for each staff member who attends. Seems he feels he shouldn’t have to miss out on a perk from our employer because he can’t attend the party. I am of the opinion that we’re a fairly large group and you’re not likely to find a date that suits everyone and he isn’t entitled to be compensated because he can’t attend. If you’re unable to attend an employer sponsored event, does your employer make it up to you, financially?

 

[disney-inspired]

No, my company doesn't make it up to us. It's a voluntary, fun event and I think it's ridiculous that he is asking to be compensated for it.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

No!!!! I can't imagine asking for compensation!!

 

[DisneyHardin]

That's crazy!!! If you can't make it to the company holiday party, then you are out of luck. If a gift is given out at the party, then I would say he should still get that on Monday when they are back in the office, but no $$ for his "part" of the dinner.

 

[ronandannette]

Stupidest thing I've heard lately. I can't believe he even had the nerve to ask and apparently all of you know. He'd never live it down at my office. Of course there should be no compensation. Go to the party or don't.

 

[Christine]

As soon as he asks that, they'll probably look for any reason to let him go. Good gracious, talk about being an idiot.

 

[JimMIA]

WOW. He just might be a little entitled.

I can't wait to hear whether he actually does ask for a gift card -- and what the employer's response is!

 

[Praying Colonel]

That's a galactic level of entitlement.

 

[Sinder]

Your colleague sounds like an ***

I have to know, how old is this employee?

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I was speaking with a colleague about this. He is not able to attend the Christmas party that is being paid for by our employer. He has said that he will be asking for a gift card that has a value equal to what will be paid for other staff to attend. We’re going to dinner and have to choose a starter, main and dessert from a fixed price menu of options, so he knows how much will be spent for each staff member who attends. Seems he feels he shouldn’t have to miss out on a perk from our employer because he can’t attend the party. I am of the opinion that we’re a fairly large group and you’re not likely to find a date that suits everyone and he isn’t entitled to be compensated because he can’t attend. If you’re unable to attend an employer sponsored event, does your employer make it up to you, financially?

No, you attend or not. Now, if they are handing out gifts or bonuses on the company dime, they should set one aside for him.

 

[bcla]

That sounds rather off the wall. I've had all sorts of cases (including working for an overseas company) where I had no access to company events.

There are things that are normal, like asking for a raise or perhaps a signing bonus. But asking to be compensated for missing a party is just so nuts. At one company our Christmas party was shifted to a less expensive, catered event right after work where my family just couldn't attend. I'd gone to our previous parties at a hotel ballroom, and even booked a hotel room. But the prices aren't really fixed and it's either use it or lose it.

 

[Disneylover99]

Geez.

I’m usually counting my lucky stars when I can get out of a work Christmas party, not asking for compensation. Lol.

 

[TwoMisfits]

If you like your fellow co-worker, I'd probably encourage him to let this issue go. It will not end well for his future at the company.

 

[Southernmiss]

Entitled.

Trying to ruin it for everybody.

 

[1GoldenSun]

I knew someone who used to regularly take home a roll of toilet paper because, as he said "I don't use as much as you ladies, so this is my share."

I bet he'd get along great with your coworker.

 

[ronandannette]

Geez.

I’m usually counting my lucky stars when I can get out of a work Christmas party, not asking for compensation. Lol.

A lot of people do feel that way. We're going into our second year with no corporate festivities as Covid restrictions still prohibit large private gatherings. I'm sorry about it. Ours is typically cocktail hour, dinner and dancing at a super-fancy venue and although I didn't go every year, I did like them.

 

[kerry1379]

The phrase "See, this is why we can't have nice things" comes to mind. 2 thoughts: 1. He will find himself out a job in the near future, and 2. if he makes it into a huge issue, corporate may just decide to not hold these events anymore.

 

[RogueX]

We got the invite for the 2nd annual virtual holiday party today and my reaction way overjoyed because I'll be at Universal that day....so happy!!!

 

[Donald13]

No. And I’ve missed company paid for lunches because it’s done on my day off. I’m not coming into work for some Panera nor should they change the day to cater to me. This guy sounds crazy and I’d love to know what answer he got

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If you’re unable to attend an employer sponsored event, does your employer make it up to you, financially?

No. And I wouldn't expect him/her to.

It's the employer's prerogative to give perks. If I'm unable to partake of the perk, that's my problem. And I won't be asking for another form of "thank you".