New research led by Joanna Lin, a professor of management at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, finds that invitations to after-work social events can benefit some employees but harm others. The team analysed multiple experiential and field studies and surveys with hundreds of full-time employees to understand varied reactions to invitations.
People with higher social confidence often react positively: when invited to dinners, parties or activities such as bowling, they tend to feel grateful, energised and more connected to coworkers. By contrast, employees who describe themselves as shy or less confident frequently feel pressured. The invitation can trigger anxiety about social performance, uncertainty over how long the event will last and worry about who will attend. Some workers become withdrawn or stressed even before they answer.
Lin explains that social invitations can feel like an obligation. The study found anxiety can build whether a person accepts or declines, creating tension and lower productivity during the waiting period, and that the timing of an invitation can affect employee performance that day. The researchers highlight factors that may change an invite's impact: whether a supervisor issues it, whether someone accepts even when they do not want to, and whether the person’s confidence increases after attending. They say these factors need further study.
- The study appears in Personnel Psychology.
- Additional coauthors are from National Taiwan Normal University, Indiana University, and National Sun Yat-sen University.
- Source: University of Georgia.
As practical steps, the authors recommend that employees recognise their preferences and limits to protect well-being. They also advise coworkers to consider potential consequences and be mindful about when and how they extend invitations.
Difficult words
- social confidence — comfort and ease in social situations
- energise — make someone feel more active or excitedenergised
- withdrawn — quiet and distant in social situations
- anxiety — strong worry or nervous feeling
- obligation — something a person feels they must do
- tension — mental or emotional strain or stress
- productivity — amount of work produced in given time
- supervisor — a person who manages or directs workers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could coworkers change how they invite people to reduce pressure for shy employees?
- What steps can an employee take to protect their well-being when they receive work social invitations?
- Should supervisors issue invitations to after-work events? Explain your view with reasons from the text.
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