Table Arrangements & Dinner

Last week's incident with 2 colleagues voicing their opinions on the table arrangements by the committee for the Dinner & Dance, had been settled after we reviewed the table arrangements.

Today, another feedback came from a department. They had registered an incomplete table of 9 members, as 1 of their colleague is not attending the event. This year, the HOD for that department decided to sponsor their attire as part of teambuilding. Upon, knowing that 2 lady employees from other departments were included at their table, they expressed some dissatisfaction with the arrangement as they felt that it may spoil their intent of dressing as 1 department.

While, we fully understand and appreciate their good intentions of dressing up as a department, we had to highlight to them how the committee views things at a macro level. To totally eliminate wastages entirely is virtually impossible and we are aware of it. As much as feasibly possible, we need to ensure that blank seats at all tables were minimized. So, we explained to the manager why the decision of including the 2 lady employees were made and how we had also exercised consideration in where to place them.

In the evening, the HOD called and expressed her displeasure at things. She mentioned that some of her employees, upon learning about it, wanted to not attend the event and rather pay the penalty for non-attendance. It was really irresponsible to think of doing that. To add to that, it was a little disappointing that the HOD indulged her employees' such behaviour....

On a pleasant side, I was invited to join in the dinner with my colleague, E, and his family. We ate at "Qing Ji Seafood" in Choa Chu Kang, near Palm Garden. This was the first time I met his wife and his 3 children. And his eldest son really resembled him a lot! They were very hospitable and keep ensuring that I have enough to eat :)

It was an enjoyable dinner with nice food by the roads and I got to know E and his family better! Somehow, I realized that in our previous workplace, though we were working together, never actually had a chance to get to know him and his family more. Should take the time to do that more often ;p