Is it rude to not invite a coworker to your birthday?
Not guilty
The short answer
No, a birthday outside work is a private event. Coworkers are not owed an invitation.
The ruling
From the public record. Names are replaced with roles.
Small claims division
Case no.PC-2026-06082
The coworker who was not invited v. The coworker with the birthday dinner
Filed 10/18/2026
- Plaintiff
- The coworker who was not invited
- Defendant
- The coworker with the birthday dinner
Statement of claim
My coworker had a birthday dinner on Saturday. Two people from our team went. I found out on Monday when they talked about the dessert for twenty minutes at the coffee machine. I sit next to her.
Charge
Holding a birthday dinner without inviting the coworker at the adjacent desk
Judgment
Not guilty
Coworker found not guilty of a birthday dinner for six
Sentence
No sentence. The parties will keep conversations about the dessert under five minutes when the plaintiff is at the coffee machine.
How the court usually rules on this
The court treats a personal birthday as personal, even when some coworkers are invited. Inviting most of a small team and leaving out one person is closer to the line, and the court looks at that case carefully. Discussing the party at length in front of those not invited is unwise but not an offense. Cake brought into the office must be shared with everyone present.
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