How to Opt Out of Annoying Work Events Without Burning Bridges

How to Opt Out of Annoying Work Events Without Burning BridgesHow to Opt Out of Annoying Work Events Without Burning Bridges Thanks to a huge push in how employers recruit and retain talented employees, company culture events are on the rise in every workplace. And while some of those events and perks are impressive , weve all witnessed a professional development or team-building event that was more eye-roll worthy than Instagram-worthy.Stuck with an overeager company culture party planner? Heres how to opt out of less-than-fun professional development events without being labeled not a team player.First, the bad nachrichtensendung its not possible or professional to cut yourself off from all culture events. Part of being a team player and getting in important bonding time is being available and in attendance for major events, if only every quarter or so. However, thats no reason you have to block off your calendar to spend time with work people during your perso nal time. You just have to use your knowledge of your company culture to weigh the necessary frequency of your attendance to these events and fly under the attendance radar. When youve identified an appropriate event to skip out on, plan out your excuse in advance. Frankly, you dont always have to tell people why you cant make it, but you do need a handy phrase you can trot out to avoid an uncomfortable silence when you opt out of work events. As Alison Green writes on her popular blog Ask a Manager , its really not their business why you cant make it, you simply cant make it . And if your previously scheduled engagement happens to be meeting your spouse on the couch to watch Stranger Things, so be it.Sometimes the problem isnt frequency so much as longevity (Im looking at you, holiday party on a weekend). Instead of completely skipping the event, consider just leaving early. Here are a few lines that will help you exit gracefully Just because you didnt attend doesnt mean you ca nt participate in the fun after part of the party. Use the event as an excuse to follow up with people individually, such as someone from a different department you usually look forward to seeing. This can spur a deeper connection and conversation despite the fact that you didnt go to the event and isnt that the ultimate purpose of company culture events, anyway?Its important to contribute to your company culture (after all, if youre taking our advice, you should love where you work most days). But its also important to establish and protect your work-life balance. Whenever you find it slipping a little too far toward work events, use these tips to opt out of work events or at least limit your time commitment.