The boss + free booze + confined space = recipe for disaster. The funny thing about Christmas parties is that no one ever seems to know how they’re supposed to act with co-workers and superiors simultaneously. Some people dread it so much they just come across as socially awkward; others get too comfortable, drink too much and become the centre of gossip till the next event.
Behind the festive celebrations is the reality that you are socialising with colleagues under the eye of managers. Join in the camaraderie and indulge in the Christmas spirit, but know where to draw the line.
If you are unsure how to behave at the Christmas Do, just follow these steps:
- Attend the party. You’re part of the office community, which means you should actually go to the party! If you know that you are going to hate, it make an excuse beforehand that you will have to leave early e.g. due to a prior engagement or babysitting problems.
- Remember to RSVP. Be courteous about responding to whoever is planning, so they can keep track of the numbers. If the invite includes a date that they’d like you to respond by, make sure to respect it.
- It is the perfect place to impress. The barriers are down and there is the opportunity to talk to those hard-to-reach people. Keep the conversation upbeat and general. Ask about families, children and plans for the holidays; avoid money, politics and sex.
- Check the dress code. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable because you dressed too casual or too over the top. Make sure that you are well groomed and fit in with the ethos of the office.
- Treat spouses respectfully. Ask about their lives and interests. They may know very few people in this setting and feel uncomfortable.
- Eat first before drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach is asking for trouble.
- Don’t allow yourself to get hammered! The more drinks you have the more likely you are to do something that you will regret later. Mixing alcohol with informal conversation could be a dangerous combination! Keep adding fizzy water to drinks to make it last longer.
- Do not, under any circumstances dance on a table. It never ends well.
- Help others. If you see a co-worker overdoing it, step in and bail them out.
- Stay clear of office romance. Hooking up with a colleague is something you’ll regret in the morning. It’s not the kind of one night stand you can walk away from.
- A discreet reminder. If you think you might be tempted to get involved in some crazy antics (abusing the photocopier, peeing in the boss’s pot plant…), write “tomorrow” in tiny letters on your hand. Look at it before making any crazy decisions.
- If the next day is a working day, arrive on time.
While this may be an opportunity to show your fun side and develop stronger working relationships; there is a fine line between getting into the holiday spirit and getting carried away. By following common sense and remembering above all that an office party is a business function, you can ensure that you send the right message and make it a career building rather than a career crippling experience.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.metro.us, fatherhood.about.comwww.theguardian.com,www.sellickpartnership.co.uk, www.wikihow.com, www.ibitimes.com, www.telegraph.co.uk
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
