Why should I attend company parties if I don't feel like it?

Company parties are a way to develop deeper connections with your coworkers by creating shared experience outside of the context of work. Ideally I personally feel like it shouldn’t be necessary, but not attending can make you look like you aren’t a team player and/or don’t have any investment in your coworkers

There is a lot of pressure to attend company functions (especially parties) and not going to them can in some workplaces make you seem like a stick in the mud- which is obviously really unfair. You may want to maintain social standing rather than excluding yourself entirely if you aren't sure you wont be labelled. When it comes to parties, pick your battles. Some big events like a holiday party have higher clout than others- it may be possible to drop in, then dash out. Treating events like a game of getting in, getting face time with the right people and getting out could be a great strategy if you are worried your teammates will judge you for not showing up.

Because it's essential to team building and staff morale. Having staff see you in a setting other than ”work” allows them to connect with you on a personal level which can be difficult during a busy work week. Also, it allows you to find ways to uniquely engage with your staff in a social setting which can be an easier setting to discuss personal interests.

Your manager will take notice of his employees that are there and missing

Don't attend if you don't feel like. "Forced fun" is a sign of a bad company culture

Do not attend company parties. You run the risk of false allegations used against you later.

Parties are about making the company feel good about itself

My company doesn't require me to--but I like the people I work with so I always go

If you do not wish to attend , don't. It is not always a good idea to attend company parties

To show that you are a team player and so your coworkers know they are important to you

To socialize. Have a real social network.

Because it's worth spending time outside of the office with your colleagues - you get to know them in a different light and understand each other better. It can build camaraderie and community.