What do you miss when you skip out on that after-work happy hour? How will your boss, and colleagues, treat you if you say “no thanks” to that company retreat? Those sometimes-obligatory work events that fall outside work hours – often called “mandatory fun” – can be no fun to attend. But, if you don’t go, experts say you may be passing up opportunities to build connections that will help you later in life. Producer Charlotte Gartenberg checked out pre-holiday gatherings in New York City to find out what workers think about hanging out with colleagues. Then, Northwestern University’s Adam Waytz weighs in on what these events mean for your career and why you might just have to attend, even if you don’t want to. 



Send us your stories about work and careers! Email aswework@wsj.com, or leave us a voicemail at 212-416-2394.



Further Reading:

You’re Good at Your Job, but Are You ‘Fun’ Enough?  

Some Companies Are Ditching the Holiday Party. Others Are Busting Out the Lobster. 

Workplace Report 

Careers Newsletter 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices