Can my boss pressure me for not going to the work Christmas Party?

[Anonymous]

I live about a 40 minute drive from my work.

I see the people every day and my job is tiring so the last thing I want to do is to be fake nice to the people I work with.

I'm with these people 40 hours a week anyway.

My boss keeps pressuring me to go and she's not even going herself.

I am fun at parties, I go with my friends but work people I just don't care for and the travel going home is a long way out.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Your boss can’t force you, nor punish you for not attending an unpaid work event. Everything from there is just how you respond to the pressure.

[genericname85]

only if in your particular case, your boss allows you to take part in the Christmas party during your work hours while you're being paid to be there.

[Asker]

Oh it's an after work thing, so that's basically my time. It's just a pain getting home than late.

[genericname85]

well then you don't have to go and he can't fault you for it. just let him know you're not going so he doesn't get food and drinks for you or whatever. but consider that you "may" lose standing with some collegues, who would have liked to see you there.

[Stevepro68]

Say you will go and then tell her later you felt ill and couldn't go. It's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

[AI Opinion]

Your boss can encourage, but not pressure, you to attend social events outside of work hours. Participation is generally voluntary and intended to foster team spirit. If attending conflicts with your personal preferences or obligations, a polite, firm response citing prior commitments or personal needs is reasonable. Work-life balance is essential, and declining respectfully should suffice. Always prioritize your well-being, maintaining professionalism in your response.

[slatyb]

What sort of company do you work for? You are under no obligation to attend events if you are not being paid.

[dudegreat91]

If you want to keep your job, you need to go for it

[noohair]

Do what is best for you.