Bringing a guest to work functions - limitations

[MWC_LifeBeginsAt40]

I have heard complaints from event organizers on our staff about work functions that include a dinner where you normally bring your spouse along.

 

They seem to think that "guest" refers ONLY to spouse or significant other.

 

If two employees are married to each other, they don't want to allow them to each bring another guest. If an employee is single, they are not expected to bring a "friend" unless it is their significant other.

 

I don't think that is fair. If a married person can bring their spouse, why can't I bring a girlfriend if I am not dating anyone? Why do I have to bring a guy friend as a "date"?

 

This isn't in stone, but it is very much frowned upon and I hear the complaining afterwards, or even before the event when the employees report who they are bringing, and I hear "I don't want to allow that, but what do I tell them?" etc etc

 

They think everyone just wants to screw the company for a free meal. I think that the company should expect to pay for two meals per employee on the basis that it IS possible that everyone just might have a date that night.

 

Any thoughts?

[julia pearson]

to acknowledge that their employees have a life outside of the job! I think it would benefit the Company to allow each employee to bring someone to the event regardless of whether that person were a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend or just a good pal! Its NOT screwing the Company at all! What this would do is foster a strong and enthusiastic working population! If the Company can't afford to pay the bill then don't have such a lofty event. I don't know where you work but parties on a lower scale can be alot of fun too!