Work shower ettiquette

missjul61

If you are having or have had a work shower and have direct reports, will you/did you invite them?

My colleague is throwing me a shower and I've mainly invited my boss and my peers. However I'm not sure what to do about my direct reports. I don't want them to feel excluded or left out but on the flip side, this is presumably a gift-giving event so I'm not sure that it's appropriate for me to invite them.

What is the ettiquette for these kinds of things? WWYD?

ccam

I'm pretty positive that I will be having a work shower.  They usually are a surprise pot luck style brunch or lunch and everyone from our unit is invited.  We all contribute towards one big gift and some people might bring in a little something extra.  But no one is excluded.  It sounds like your office may be different though.

lovebug33

My entire school is invited. Support staff, teachers, administrators, etc.

theworms

usually the people throwing the shower at my work do the inviting.  all the people who work in my building are usually invited and anyone else the mom-to-be wants.

 

mdiblasi10

I work for a smaller company, with only 20 people in our office. Our work showers include everyone, we order lunch in and everyone contributes to one or two big gifts. I think the typical etiquette would be for the host to decide who is invited if everyone isn't.

missjul61

mdiblasi10:

I work for a smaller company, with only 20 people in our office. Our work showers include everyone, we order lunch in and everyone contributes to one or two big gifts. I think the typical etiquette would be for the host to decide who is invited if everyone isn't.

I see. The host is leaving the guestlist up to me but I should throw it back in her court

mdiblasi10

missjul61:

mdiblasi10:

I work for a smaller company, with only 20 people in our office. Our work showers include everyone, we order lunch in and everyone contributes to one or two big gifts. I think the typical etiquette would be for the host to decide who is invited if everyone isn't.

I see. The host is leaving the guestlist up to me but I should throw it back in her court

Yep! Let her worry about it Or write the guest list with whoever you feel comfortable inviting.

MAbride0808

lovebug33:

My entire school is invited. Support staff, teachers, administrators, etc.

This. We usually have them I before/in  place of faculty meetings. 

leolyns

I didn't want a work shower for a few reasons 1) because I'm not that social with my co-workers. I know their names, they know mine but that's it 2) I don't like being on the spot like that opening gifts and 3) I didn't really want one at work.

So my boss is putting a luncheon together with the co-workers I know well. I don't want to exclude anyone but I prefer the smaller, intimate setting and less pressure.

srveatch

I think if you invite your direct reports they may feel like they have to get you something.  On the other hand if you do not invite them they may feel left out.  If you really want to celebrate I would make it clear that a gift is not required.