When I worked in the corporate world at a small tech startup, things would get weird and weird at the company Christmas party quickly. I always leave quickly after a glass of wine because I always feel out of place. I’d rather be home with my husband and dog than watch Gary from accounting hit on our 22-year-old intern, you know?
One woman on TikTok pointed out how weird such a holiday gathering is, noting that the idea of not inviting a spouse or partner is inappropriate.
“Well, I’m no longer at the company, so maybe I think this is weird, so please tell me. But my friend who works at her company told me that they have a Christmas office party and they don’t bring spouses ,” Piper Phillips began.
“They’re not bringing significant others. They’re dressed in costumes, fancy clothes, whatever. And they’re not bringing significant others. I find that weird. As a 24-year-old woman, I Put yourself in this situation. If I were working for a big company, I would be working for myself now, but before I even went to work for a company, I was thinking about putting on a dress and going to a holiday party, my 45, 50,. It felt weird to me that the 60 year old male boss would be there without his significant other.
She went on to explain that as alcohol increases, things can get dangerous.
“I mean, when there’s an open bar, when there’s alcohol, especially in a conservative, male-dominated industry, I think it seems strange to know that there are fewer and fewer young women in their 20s there. And then your boss is in charge, there’s an open bar, there’s no significant other, there’s no one’s wife there. It’s just, that’s really uncomfortable for me,” she explained, before pointing out the company’s Christmas. The party has developed a reputation for a “work hard, play hard” mentality.
In her comments section, Piper encountered some mixed opinions.
“Huh? Who said anyone would drink alone with an analyst? Have you ever been to a party?” one user said.
Others point out that most companies can’t bring in a plus-one for every employee because the costs add up quickly.
“This is common. Doubling your headcount is expensive,” one user said.
“Have you ever planned an event like this? I’m an administrative assistant at the company and coordinate events on a regular basis – with a budget, this would double the cost. Another pointed out that it would be great if it could be achieved, but there would be a cost .
One user sided with Piper, writing: “This isn’t a popular opinion based on comments, but I’m sorry our young women feel this way. I’ve seen the issues/heard the stories and get it. .
In a follow-up video, Piper apologized for “accidentally angering” her followers and detailed why she decided to ask some questions about the spouse-free corporate holiday party.
“All I know is my experience from what I’ve seen in other people… and my past experience working for a company. I’m just saying, in my opinion, if you’re a 24-year-old woman wearing cocktail attire, You might feel uncomfortable attending an event with a 60-year-old boss who may have had too much to drink. “Unfortunately, that does happen. “
