It’s called a “productivity enhancer” or a “workplace motivator.” Used judiciously, it actually means your money is spent more wisely. The government is no different than any other workplace on what helps motivate. Why do you think soldiers get USO shows? Is that goofing off? (I’m an ex-infantryman, so I understand that the military is different.)
Question: Are you in management? Do you have any experience with the impact these types of activities can have?
(Although, I will say, the fact they lied about it is pretty crappy. It does sound like they were goofing off more than doing something smart in the workplace.)
Regardless, I’m not opposed to *reasonable* use of effective management techniques and productivity multipliers in the federal workforce. To be so black-and-white is actually a *misuse* of federal dollars.
Okay...I get your point.
I know that in the civilian world, the occasional party or fun activity does indeed enhance the workplace atmosphere. I can think of many a time the company I used to work for did fun or considerate things for us like getting pizza for the office staff during busy times, field trips, and department parties.
I guess I over-reacted. It’s just that when you hear of excessive waste of our tax dollars, combined with the governmental ineptitude we here at FR hear about over and over, it colors one’s vision of government workers.
And yes...it wouldn’t have been quite so bad if they hadn’t lied about it.