It’s that time of year for office holiday parties, and they are usually fun and festive. That’s why your employer throws them. It’s an opportunity for you to celebrate and let your hair down—but only a little!
Employees need to remember that while your employer gives a company party with the idea that every worker will have fun, it doesn’t give you a license to let loose to the point that maybe you’ll be let loose!
Whether you’re a temp in Cleveland, Ohio or an office manager in Painesville, you can have a good time and even advance your career. Or you can act like a fool and cripple it. Unfortunately, too many people choose the latter.
Here are a few guidelines for surviving and enjoying your company’s holiday party.
Practice these “Dos, ” and You’ll Wake up the Next Morning without Regrets
- Do keep all your conversations positive: No complaining, bragging or whining.
- Do avoid controversial topics: This is not the place to discuss November’s election.
- Do ask whether the attire is casual or formal: This avoids showing up in your nightclub dress for a formal affair.
- Do keep your hands to yourself: Does this need further explanation?
- Do make sure you know who is invited: Spouses and significant others aren’t always included.
- Do enjoy yourself at the party: Even if you aren’t, act like you are.
- Do keep one hand free to offer handshakes: Keep your cold drink in the other hand.
- Do thank the person who coordinated the party: Follow up with a thank-you note to management.
- Do act like your behavior is being observed: It is!
And Here are Some “Don’ts” for Your Benefit
- Don’t skip the party: You need to show your commitment to the company.
- Don’t drink too much: This is the key to staying out of trouble.
- Don’t forget to eat: If you are drinking, it’s important to eat, too.
- Don’t flirt: Nothing good can come out of hitting on the wrong person.
- Don’t post photos or comments on social media: An embarrassing picture of your boss or negative remarks about the party will not enhance your career.
- Don’t gossip about your colleagues: This is easy to forget when you’ve had too much to drink.
- Don’t monopolize the conversations: Show interest in others.
- Don’t spend the entire party talking business: You’ll get a reputation as a bore.
- Don’t drink and drive: Assign a designated driver or hire a cab.
Don’t be a casualty of your company’s Christmas party
A recent survey indicates that 66% of employers plan to hold a holiday party. If you work for one of them, follow these rules of etiquette and keep your reputation and your job intact.
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Contact the premier team of recruiters at Vector Technical Inc. Or, browse our available jobs and apply online today!
