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Parties

Here are the questions filed under this category. To read Ken's advice on any item, click on the link "Read Ken's Answer."


Our company has been very frugal this year. Our pay is frozen, bonuses are a fraction of what they once were, and there have been layoffs. That's why it was shocking and upsetting to see the company throw an elaborate year-end bash. Do you think management made a mistake?
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Five of us work in a satellite office, and we are rarely included in any of the social events in the home office that is only about 20 minutes away. We have asked to be included at birthdays, retirements, and such, but we are usually forgotten. How do we get them to remember us?
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Our manager gave an impromptu speech at our holiday party, and he mentioned all of my peers by name, but left me out. I am hurt and embarrassed, and I certainly thought that I performed as well as the others. Should I say anything to him or just forget about it?
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I'm not a scrooge about Christmas, but I am so tired of all the time at work that is being spent on parties, exchanging gifts, and chattering away about one Christmas activity or another. I've had enough of it and Christmas isn't even here yet. Do you have any suggestions?
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Our company has many social gatherings and parties during work hours, and people from just about every job level attend. I am a friendly and sociable person, but I have a lot to do and I usually skip these events. The other day, my manager told me that I should stop being so aloof and come to more of them. I'll go because she wants me to, but I think it's ridiculous. What do you think?
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Throughout last year, our company was in a cost-cutting mode, and we all worked extremely hard to make our numbers. That's why we were shocked by the extravagance of the year-end party. As a manager, how do I keep my employees focused on cost reduction after the company does something like this?
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I was at a holiday lunch with several people in our department, including our manager, when one person in the group made a very insulting comment about my intelligence. Everyone suddenly became quiet, but I let it go. Now I am really upset. Should I have said something to him at the time, and what do I do now?
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It seems that every week or so, there is another reason to have a party and a cake in my department. I am on a low-carb diet, and I have been accused of being antisocial because I do not eat any cake. What should I do about this?
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