Work hours question
 

So our annual meeting is coming up next week and I have a question for y'all:
We have a reception Tuesday night, a "staff appreciation" dinner/reception. Should I include that as time worked? It's a required activity, I'm an hourly employee. This will be my third year but I can't recall how I've handled it in the past.

To complicate matters, there's an open bar, but our handbook states we can't drink while on the job. Thoughts??? Thanks!

Your employer is buying you dinner. You are not on the clock. As such, it is appropriate to have a few drinks and still maintain a sense of professionalism by being social without getting sloppy.

I'd count that, since your hourly. I wouldn't count that for me, as I'm salary.:confused:

So to those that said to clock the time, can I drink?

The handbook states that you can't drink while on the job so you shouldn't drink.

i'm with adpiucf. of COURSE you can drink, if the open bar is there for you all then obviously that rule does not apply. why else would they have it??

counting the time as hours worked is a little less clear on my part, but i would probably go with not counting it. i mean, they are going to expense to do this for you, that just seems a little tacky i would think to count it as time worked, whether you do have to show up or not.

Can I ask the obvious question... Is there someone you could ask?

I come into this on occassion, because I'm a member of the chamber, but sometimes events are at my work when I'm supposed to be working. I do not drink (I am salaried), however I think in your case it's perfectly appropriate to drink. Counting it as hours, though.... kinda sketchy.

I feel kinda stupid asking now, after three years, although I guess it's the smart thing to do.

The reception/dinner is Tuesday; annual meeting is Wednesday. Here's the thing, they're paying for breakfast and lunch that day too... so should that not count as working?

Re: Work hours question
 

i would check with your employer but you are on the clock and therefore it should be counted.

regarding the alcohol, if there is an open bar you should be able to drink. its like having alcohol at a holiday party. but again, i would ask your coworkers or supervisor just to be sure.

if its permissible then be conservative with your alcohol intake.

Re: Work hours question
 

Be very careful about your drinking, and if you can't handle your liquor, don't drink at all.

We have a similar thing every month at work, and people watch their consumption very carefully.

I've heard way too many stories of people going overboard at events like these, and saying/doing something they end up regretting.

I would not drink and get paid. That seems like the most solid advice. That was gleaned from the entire rest of this thread.

I had one beer, and actually missed half the event because of traffic and having to get ready and everything. I think I will count the hours because, hey, its money. I talked with other colleagues and they weren't sure what to do either, but most people I work with are salaried. Thanks for all the advice!