Happy hours can be a really nice way to unwind after work. However, they’re not for everyone. In fact, an invitation to a happy hour from a manager can be a very stressful situation to navigate because:
- Some people don’t drink. They may not drink for religious reasons, or because they are sober, or because of a medical issue. Inviting them to a happy hour may put them in an uncomfortable position: either they go and try to dodge personal questions about why they’re not drinking (and may be tempted to drink), or they skip it and miss out on the team building that occurs at the event.
- Some people may have a low tolerance for alcohol and find it difficult to have a drink and keep things professional. Inviting them to a happy hour may threaten their reputation both socially (if they don’t drink) and professionally (if they do drink).
- Some people can’t afford to spend more time with you. Single parents and people who work second jobs, among others, have commitments outside of the office. Inviting them to a happy hour may create additional stress as they try to balance pleasing you and being accountable to their families and other commitments.
The next time you are tempted to organize a work happy hour, be mindful that what you might find to be fun and relaxing, may create unnecessary stress for your team.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.