If your office is getting the balloons and decorations ready for the holiday season, you know there’s a festive mingling session coming up soon. If it’ll be your first office party, here are ten dos and don’ts for the holiday office party.
Do
Show Up because the office party is time for everyone to let go of their positions in the office and to have fun professionally in the office.
Dress Appropriately since you don’t want to send your colleagues the wrong message. Remember, even though it’s just a party, people will still end up talking about it after it has ended.
Know Your Limit when alcohol is involved since you don’t want to do something you’ll regret for the rest of your life. Your reputation is at stake during office parties, so even if you’re an uptight one at work, too much alcohol may turn you into a loose canon.
Mingle with everyone in the office, whether they’re from a different department or another company too.
Act Appropriately has to be the most important must-do at an office party. You want them to think you’re a dignified employee. Not a crazy party girl when the clock hits five.
Don’t
Drink Too Much and you’ll only spell bad news for yourself, your future and maybe even your career. After all, there is no need to be the life of the party.
Flirting spells two things – a bad reputation as an office flirt, and the risk of losing your job and living in shame. If you do intend to flirt jokingly, keep it light and simple and make it clear you don’t mean anything more.
Gossip could mean that you’re just dying to get into trouble. If alcohol is involved in the party, keep any dirty details you know about someone purely to yourself because anyone who is a little fizzled on alcohol are just about unpredictable.
Overindulging could get your colleagues thinking of you as a pig. Whether it’s the food or the never-ending flow of wine, restrain yourself to just a few servings.
Bring a guest unless you’re allowed to. Some companies are not as fond with guests from other companies coming into their office party because it only gives people more space for gossip and stealing trade secrets.
