My company recently had a non work sponsored happy hour. By the time I showed up it was a very long table on a patio. I went to the bar, got a beer, and paid cause I couldn’t stay long anyways. Probably 20 people there.
I manage a team of four. A manager from another team came in and told me since they got their early and we had a big table she had to put her card down as the establishment only allowed one card per large group and couldn’t split checks.
So long after I finished my beer and left (I don’t want to hang out with coworkers longer than I have to) they got the tab for the table. This lady passed around the bill to get cash and her phone for people to venmo her.
Apparently my team member refused to pay for 3 drinks and an app because he thought it was a work sponsored event.
His total came to $39 with tip. This manager who paid wants me to pay it. I said no. She wants me to talk to my employee about it. I said no it’s not my problem and it’s certainly not a work problem. Now this lady went to HR about me and the coworker saying I’m creating a hostile work environment and she feels uncomfortable working with us.
Bottom line – don’t do anything with coworkers outside of the office.