A woman works at an engineering firm with about 300 people in her office. Her company recently hosted a Halloween party, and HR repeatedly asked employees to RSVP and to let them know if their plans changed.
After the event, HR sent a company-wide email thanking those who came, along with a list of everyone who accepted but didn’t show up or let anyone know. Now she’s wondering whether HR crossed a line or whether the no-shows earned the call-out.
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Halloween Party at an Engineering Firm
The party was held after work in the office’s day room. It was meant to be a fun, relaxed event for employees and their families.
Company events can help build morale. They give coworkers a chance to connect outside their usual work routines.
She RSVP’d and attended the party. She was looking forward to spending time with colleagues.
Repeated Reminders to RSVP
In the weeks before the event, the HR representative repeatedly reminded everyone to RSVP. She asked for responses at least a week in advance.
She also asked anyone who changed their mind to let her know. Accurate numbers help with planning.
Food, seating, and supplies are usually ordered based on RSVPs. Knowing who’s coming helps avoid waste.
Empty Tables and Extra Food
When she arrived, she noticed the turnout seemed lower than expected. Several tables were empty.
There was also a lot of leftover food. It was clear more people had been expected.
Catering can be expensive. Even modest event food can cost $15 to $30 or more per person, which adds up quickly when dozens of guests don’t show.
Mass Email Naming No-Shows
This morning, HR sent a company-wide email. It included pictures from the event and a thank-you to everyone who attended.
The email also listed the names of employees who RSVP’d but didn’t attend or check in. It specifically named people who never told HR they weren’t coming.
That part surprised her. She hadn’t expected HR to publicly call people out.
Family Spots That Went Unused
HR also pointed out employees who had requested spots for family members but didn’t attend. One employee had said they were bringing seven children.
That family never showed up. Planning for that many extra guests likely meant ordering more food and supplies.
When large groups don’t attend, the company may lose money on food and other costs. Those expenses come out of the company’s budget.
185 Yeses and 120 Attendees
According to HR, 185 people accepted the invitation. Only 120 attended, including some who came without RSVPing.
That means dozens of people who said yes didn’t show up. Many didn’t let HR know their plans had changed.
HR said that wastes company money and isn’t courteous. They also said it could affect future events.
Teammate Who Doesn’t Care
She talked to one of her teammates who had accepted the invitation but didn’t go. He said he decided at the last minute to take his family out to dinner instead.
He told her he didn’t care what HR said. To him, the email didn’t change anything.
His reaction made her think more about the situation. She could see both sides of the issue.
Professional Call-Out or Public Shaming
HR may have wanted to make a point about responsibility and wasted money. Clear communication helps events run smoothly.
At the same time, naming people in a company-wide email may feel embarrassing. She’s left wondering whether HR handled it professionally or whether employees who skipped without notice should have expected some consequences for leaving the company with empty seats and extra food.
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