SINGAPORE: A senior employee at an American MNC has sparked a heated debate online after revealing his frustrations with newly hired graduates from SMU who, despite being in key positions, are refusing to engage in social activities with senior management outside of office hours.
Detailing his dilemma on the r/SGexams subreddit on Tuesday (Oct 14), the senior employee explained that he has been encouraging the two fresh graduates whenever possible to get involved in the company’s social activities, including attending the regular Friday team drinks with an ang moh executive, having lunch with senior colleagues, and joining weekend sports activities.
Despite his efforts, however, the two fresh graduates have repeatedly turned down his invitations, saying they “already have gaming plans.”
According to him, the pair also tend to keep to themselves during lunch, socialising mostly with junior colleagues rather than the wider team.
Feeling increasingly exasperated, he turned to Reddit for advice, asking: “How do I explain to fresh grads the importance of facetime outside the office? How would you convince them to participate without forcing them?”
He added, “I don’t understand how to explain to them that career growth happens outside your desk — that visibility, relationships, and informal interactions matter as much as technical competence. Even if you don’t drink, smoke, or play sports, it’s important to be there.”
The senior employee also explained in his post that the reason he’s been so persistent about getting the graduates to take part in these activities is his growing worry that management might ship them off to the company’s Kuala Lumpur branch, something he says has happened to other fresh grads before.
“[They’re] decent at their assigned work…but I’m just scared that if their appraisals aren’t top class, we will lose the headcount to KL,” he said.
“You’re still living in 2000. Change your mindset, man.”
In the comments, many slammed the senior employee for meddling in the fresh graduates’ personal choices and trying to pressure them into attending what they saw as pointless social events that had nothing to do with their jobs.
They argued that in this day and age, when work-life balance is finally being taken seriously, he should mind his own business and let the graduates enjoy their own time instead of guilt-tripping them into unpaid after-hours mingling.
One said, “Nobody should be forced to see a colleague’s face any longer than they need to. Maybe the fact they spend time with juniors and not seniors should clue you into their affinity with higher-ups. If you wish for your colleagues to attend events, receive their input and plan something they might actually enjoy.”
Another wrote, “This makes me feel that you are becoming an antique. Gen Z values purpose, work-life balance and mental health.”
A third added, “You’re still living in 2000. Change your mindset, man. They are entitled to their choices, too.”
Others, however, defended the senior employee, arguing that he was simply doing it for the sake of the fresh grads.
One explained, “I don’t get why you are getting flamed in the comments cause the points you raised are very true. I think you should say it to them straight, but be ready that they might not be receptive to it. Not everyone prioritises career above all, and the new generation is very divided on this.”
Another commented, “I support your intentions, but honestl,y just let them be. These types of people with low EQ will not thrive anyway. Let them learn the hard way.”
In other news, a 24-year-old woman took to social media to complain that her parents asked her to contribute S$300 towards their upcoming overseas trip in December, while her older brother is completely exempt.
In her post on the r/SGexams subreddit on Sunday (Oct 12), the woman, who’s currently studying at a local university, explained that this is not the first time her parents showed favouritism towards her brother.
Follow Google News
Join us on WhatsApp
Follow us on Telegram