Are employers allowed to require employees to attend work-related social functions?

In Washington, employers are generally allowed to require employees to attend work-related social functions, unless specifically prohibited by state or local law. Most employers in Washington understand that work-related social functions are an important part of building relationships among employees and promoting camaraderie. These events can also be beneficial for morale. Therefore, employers may require employees to attend certain functions, such as office holiday parties and similar events. The Washington Human Rights Commission also allows employers to require attendance at work-related social events as long as the events are not "in violation of any law or civil rights order or rule." For example, employers cannot require employees to attend events that would violate local anti-discrimination laws. In addition, employers cannot require employees to undertake any activities that would result in an unreasonable hardship or risk of harm. For example, employers cannot expect an employee to attend a function at an off-site location that would require a lengthy drive, or that would result in the employee working late into the night or during undesirable weather conditions. Finally, employers must also make sure that attendance at any work-related social event is voluntary and not mandatory. This means that employees who do not wish to attend should not be penalized in any way, and that the employer must provide reasonable accommodation for any employee who requests it.

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Are employers allowed to require employees to attend work-related social functions?

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