One in three Brits avoid work social events because they’re ‘boring’ and a ‘waste of time’

More than one in three Britons say they avoid work parties because they are “boring” and a “waste of time”, according to new research.

A poll commissioned by events business Togather and conducted by Gallup found that 35% of respondents actively avoided work social events. One in five also said the social events at their own workplace are not inclusive enough of people from under-represented groups.

Togather co-founder Hugo Campbell said: “It is disheartening to discover that 35% of employees actively avoid attending their current workplace parties due to finding them dull and unproductive.

“This places the onus on business owners to create workplace events that are truly captivating and inclusive, reflecting the value they place on their employees. It’s no longer sufficient to rely on beige buffets, standard holiday celebrations, or the usual Friday night trips to the pub. Instead, businesses must provide meaningful experiences that genuinely demonstrate appreciation for their staff.”

The stats come hot on the heels of research that found London is the capital of workplace toxicity, as 1.2 million people take time off because of trouble with their boss. The latest statistics suggest that after-work drinks are unlikely to be enough to fix an otherwise toxic workplace.

Campbell added that work events “are becoming more and more important” as hybrid working means most people no longer see their coworkers five days a week.

But he said a typical event like a Thursday pub night “doesn’t cut it for people anymore”.

He also warned that many companies that do try to create something more engaging end up simply opting for predictable ‘mandatory fun’ events, which do not satisfy workers as “people can smell a stereotypical formula from a mile off”.