Inappropriate

Tis the season and there's merrymaking to be had.  I was very lucky that I was extended an invitation to attend my former group's end of the year celebration on Thursday night open only to employees.  Guests not welcome.  It was held at Temple Nightclub downtown: hors d'oeuvres, open bar, photobooth, DJ.  

Friday night, Dean had his party at the City Club which welcomed guests: very yummy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, caricature artists, three course dinner, gorgeous floral center pieces, plants for each guest to take home, dessert bar, band, and raffled prizes including Wiis, flat screen TVs, roundtrip airfares.

I'm more than happy to take part in these activities, but call me crazy, I think these events are inappropriate given the unemployment rate and layoffs.  Many will protest, "It's not even that much money in the grand scheme of things."  But I would retort, why do it on such a lavish scale?  Most people are satisfied to be on the payroll, let alone partying until midnight with your coworkers.  If you want to make your employees happy, just let them spend their time the way they want to...outside of the office and away from other coworkers!

The best thing any company can do is to retain capital.  Even if it means cutting back on parties. Your employees are going to be proud that they're still getting paid!  A consistent paycheck is all that we need.

And when the time is right, then party on.