Most businesses host a company party sometime between the months of November and January. This is a time to throw caution to the wind and party hard with your coworkers, right? Not exactly.
While it may seem the office party is a great chance to let loose with your employer footing the bill, your behavior can have a direct impact on your career. According to Etiquette International, a firm specializing in business etiquette, no matter how festive the occasion, it’s still about business. Think of the office party as an extension of your business day wrapped in a social context.
Who hasn’t heard horror stories of the employee who got drunk and ended up in a lamp shade sleeping under the buffet table? Don’t let that person be you this year. That being said, here’s a handy list of office party dos and don’ts:
DO act as your behavior is being monitored by your boss at every moment during the event, even if it may not be. This will help keep behavior in check.
DON’T dress provocatively or flashy. If the party is taking place directly after business hours, it is perfectly acceptable to attend in your business attire. If it is occurring at another time, dress festively but conservatively. Now’s not the time to test out low-cut shirts or short dresses.
DO make every attempt to attend the party. Refusing the invitation or becoming a no-show can negatively affect your reputation. Remember, although a social event, office parties are often part of your job and you should be respectful of that fact.
DON’T overindulge in food or alcohol. Moderation is key even if there is a buffet and open bar. Remember that alcohol has a funny way of serving as a truth serum and quickly eliminates inhibition. Alcohol + party + boss = Monday morning on the hot seat. No one wants to be fodder for office gossip the next business day.
DO keep one hand free so that you can routinely shake the hands of new people you meet. Hold drinks in your left hand so your right is not wet and cold. Keep conversations upbeat and make the most of opportunities to network.
DON’T use the office party as a platform to air your grievances against the company, such as you work for peanuts. Keep conversations casual and avoid any controversial topics, such as religion, politics or the the supervisor’s toupee.
DO stay long enough to socialize with a number of people and thank the host or hosts for the party. Sneaking out early can seem disrespectful.
DON’T engage in flirting or any behavior that can be taken as offensive. Sexual harassment extends beyond the office walls. Now is not the time to spark up your love life with a coworker.
DO inquire who will be attending the function, and if the invitation extends to employee family members. It’ll be embarrassing if you’re the only one to show up with the kids in tow.
DON’T drink and drive! Have a plan for getting home if you plan on having a few drinks.
While some office parties are fabulous and others are flops, make the most of the event and eat, drink and be merry — in moderation.
