Should I invite my coworkers?

alina Posted: Apr 10, 2003 09:47 AM

Should I invite my coworkers?

I originally planned not to invite anyone from work, b/c I never see these people outside of work situation and we almost never go out to lunch together.
The top down structure goes like this:
1 big boss
1 immediate boss
2 sr. people
2 jr. people (I am one of them)
Secretary/Admin

I have so far invited 2 of the bosses over the past few days. I am now considering inviting the other people, but not sure I want to. One of the sr. people and a boss are writing my rec. for grad school, which in itself makes things a bit more complicated. Another reason stopping me from inviting the rest of the group is that I hate the other Jr. person in our group and don't even want to think about her coming...

What should I do. Reason tells me not to invite all these people, but in etiquette part of me feels that I should invite them, and not expect most of them to show up...

bride082003 Posted: Apr 10, 2003 09:56 AM

Re: Should I invite my coworkers?

I was in the same boat as you and felt that etiquette was forcing me to invite them. I have been at my job for over 4 years with most of the same people. However, I decided against it because if I invited them and they said they would come and didnt show up it would cause tension in the workplace and be very awkward...I feel guilty that I am not inviting my bosses, however I do plan on posting an invitation to the church only the week of the wedding. GOOD LUCK to you, its a tough decision

ssdare Posted: Apr 10, 2003 10:40 AM

Re: Should I invite my coworkers?

I invited my direct manager, department head and my secy/admin. I don't socialize with any work people outside of the work environment. I invited these particular people based on my level of interaction with them for the most part. I like my direct manager a lot so I would really want her to come but I invited my department head because I felt I had too as he's the one who ultimately approves my salary/bonuses. And as I interact with my secretary on a daily basis, I invited her as well. I guess I just invited the minimal work people according to who's above me and who reports to me.

If you have room, I might consider inviting all so as not to hurt anyone's feelings, but if you are limited then maybe just invite the senior person writing your recommendation.

Also, if you can't stand the other jr. person and you relationship is purely business (e.g you don't talk to each other about personal life matters), maybe that person won't be expecting to get invited anyways.

Good luck.