Pau hana with your employees: Yay or nay?
Thinking about joining your team for pau hana? Here are pros and cons to keep in mind before you decide.
Joining your employees for pau hana feels like a no-brainer. After all, what’s the harm in enjoying a few after-work drinks with the team? As it turns out, socializing with employees after work hours can be more complicated than you’d think. Managers should pause to weigh the pros and cons before making their decision.
Some pros of going out for a pau hana with your team include building camaraderie and boosting engagement. Stepping outside the workplace removes the usual pressures and expectations, giving managers and employees a chance to connect on neutral ground. These authentic connections lay the groundwork for stronger relationships, which naturally lead to higher employee engagement. When employees feel connected and valued, they’re more likely to deliver quality work, stay productive, and remain committed to the company’s success.
On the flip side, there are also some important drawbacks to consider. Attending as a manager may blur professional boundaries, leading employees to see you more as a buddy than their boss. This shift in perception can undermine your credibility and authority, making it harder to maintain the respect and leadership presence you’ve worked hard to build. In addition, these outings can open the door to potential liability issues, especially when alcohol is involved. Because managers are often seen as representatives of the company, even off the clock, any incident that arises could carry legal and professional consequences, requiring proper reporting and action.
While pau hana is great for team building, it’s not the only way for management to strengthen workplace relationships. Monthly potlucks or volunteering for a local non-profit are other fun, social opportunities to increase engagement.
Running a business isn’t easy, but having the right HR partner makes all the difference. ALTRES helps Hawaiʻi businesses put people first while simplifying the work behind the scenes. Find practical resources at altres.com/hive.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should first consult their attorney, accountant or adviser before acting upon any information in this article.
