It’s Christmas time again! The mince pies and mulled wine are out and these alone are enough to get us feeling merry. It’s also party time, so get your outfits ready because the office Christmas party is coming!
The ‘work’s do’ is a time to let loose and have fun with your colleagues, but beware, when the party’s over you’ve still got to work with these people. To avoid damage to your reputation and professional relationships, take note of these golden rules:
Don’t be a Grinch
The work Christmas party is a gift to you from your employer, so you don’t want to miss it! Even if you have other commitments, you should make an effort to at least show your face. And don’t forget to wish your colleagues a Merry Christmas!
Join in!
Don’t sit in the corner on your phone, get involved! Join in with the dancing, chat to people, have a laugh and most importantly have fun. The office Christmas party is a great way to get to know some of your colleagues better and build stronger relations. It’s also a great opportunity to network, but remember no one really wants to talk business, so keep the conversation light-hearted.
Be appropriate
Being appropriate does not mean that you can’t let your hair down and have a great time. However, it’s important to remember that you are not on a crazy night out with your friends. This is a work function and your colleagues should still be able to respect you professionally afterwards.
Maintain your reputation by dressing and behaving appropriately. Avoid gossip, topics that could be controversial (religion and politics) and flirting. If your signature dance move is twerking, maybe save that for another time.
If you’re unsure where the appropriate line is, the basic rule is don’t do anything that will leave people talking about you for all the wrong reasons, which leads onto our next golden rule…
Beware of the booze
Most of us like a tipple and more often than not the office Christmas party involves some free booze! But make sure you know your limits and stick to them. Do you want your boss and colleagues to see you stumbling over your sentences and your own feet?
If you do think you may have had one too many then take control of the situation. Get some food and water, or call it a night and hail a taxi. It’s much better to go home before you do something you’ll regret like declaring your undying love for Jackie in Accounts.
Don’t hog the limelight
You know that person who likes to be the centre of attention, to talk about themselves and to generally outshine everyone else. Don’t be that person. Put your communication skills to use and be sure to ask people about themselves and listen. You want to make conversation not dominate it.
Notice someone looking left out? Make an effort to get them involved. Give your attention to different people throughout the evening.
Following these tips will ensure that you survive your office Christmas party and make a great impact on your colleagues.
Have a great time!
