An MD secretly told me that people who go for stupid HR events get "some" loyalty

I asked an MD for advice and how what is takes to avoid being chopped in a recession. He said its down to luck mostly but in his case he always used to go for HR events like "X Firm Biking in Central Park for Cancer" or "X Firm Teaching in Rural Town" and he got to know that this saved his neck on different occasions across firms. 

According to him there is "some" loyalty or grace afforded to people who participate in these events when things go sour either by being passed on when layoffs are called or being told you have 6 - 8 months to find a new job rather than being abruptly sacked.

Is this true? He did say its not guaranteed but it is something a lot of people look over and I think I believe him.

12 Comments
 

Yeah makes sense. At a minimum attending those events offer more opportunities outside of the workplace for people to get to know you and for people who you would not normally work with get to know you. Its much easier to fire someone you don't know, so when the time comes for cuts, you might be spared while you're equally (or even slightly better) coworker gets the axe because he just isn't well connected in the firm. 

 

HR on its way to try to make themselves useful by organizing the 234,235th worthless group call that 98% of people don't go to just so they can say they're busy, but they won't answer my question about the work portal even though it's specifically their job

 
Most Helpful

There is truth to this.

In a corporate role, if you go ALL IN on the culture you are rewarded somewhat for being ALL IN on the firm (i.e. not a flight risk).

Attend every volunteer event, help out with recruiting, join the LGBT LatinaX Ally program, show up at the military veterans appreciation event, make public linkedin posts praising the culture etc etc.

It helps A LOT.  It shows you are good solider that will not only do what he's told, but you will accept the firms policies/doctrine without questions, and support their activities.  

Bonus points if you have demonstrated the ability to "rat" out fellow coworkers for "leaks" or other disruptive behavior.  That shows true loyalty.

Of course they can fire you in a heartbeat anyways, but it could make the difference all things considered if its between you and another guy who doesnt do the above.

 

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