Across the county, Christmas parties and get-togethers will be all the rage right now.
Sports teams, companies and organizations large and small usually take time in December for some social event. It’s a time to give thanks for the year soon behind and to look forward to the year ahead.
Our firm may be a bit old fashioned in that we still have a formal Christmas dinner for our employees. Again this year we had a great meal prepared by the Elora Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, followed by a few quick speeches and a social time. It’s our way of thanking staff and giving spouses a chance to meet people in our workplace.
For many companies the Christmas dinner was out long ago. Between liability, cost-cutting and general disinterest, it’s an annual custom that isn’t so common anymore.
Talking about that change in thinking, we joked with one of our managers that some people these days may be just as happy getting the cash allotment instead of coming to a party. She related that our little joke was actually reality at a previous institution she worked at. A segment of the staff there wanted the $10 per head allotment from head office, rather than bothering with the social function. Just give me the cash …
These attitudes shouldn’t be a great surprise.
It’s quite noticeable in waiting rooms, whether at a restaurant, doctor’s office or other such facility. Patrons are often engrossed in whatever their phone or device has on display. Society has arguably become more solitary, and less willing to open up a conversation.
Even people sitting together having dinner usually have one guest or more that is constantly distracted by the latest ping as messages are delivered.
Depending on the generation involved, this conduct can be seen as rude or entirely okay.
The business community tends to view these social engagements as networking opportunities. Out of meeting new people, the prospects of new business or connections that may lead to new business are invaluable. For everyday folk, any chance to meet new acquaintances should be thought of the same way. Who knows what opportunities are lost by not taking the time to engage and meet new people.
For all a person knows, the lost opportunity could have been a new job or a potential for life-long friendship. People just need to be open to try new thing.
There are social people and others who really have no interest in meeting new people, let alone getting to know someone better. It is, however, a skill people should cultivate.
The preoccupation with “me” isn’t doing society any favours in the long run.
Consider the art of socializing and see where it leads.
