It’s the time of the year when employers around the country are inviting employees to come and celebrate the holidays with a party. Have you gone to your work holiday party yet? This may be the only time of the year when everyone in your workplace has the chance to get together and talk about something other than your work.
Even though a work holiday party is a party, it’s important to remember that first and foremost it’s still a work related activity and that requires attendees to be professional at all times. Over the years I have heard some crazy stories of things that went down at holiday parties and all I can say is the behavior was anything but professional.
Before doing anything out of the ordinary at your work event this year ask yourself if one night of fun is worth your entire career?
Here are six ways to enjoy your work holiday party and still come out of it with your job intact:
Don’t drink too much
Just because your employer may offer an open bar doesn’t mean you need to take full advantage of it says Real Buzz. Getting too drunk is something that everyone will remember the next day – especially your boss. Even though a holiday party is a social event acting out of order can harm your career. Keep it to a two to three drink maximum when partying with co-workers.
Avoid being affectionate with anyone
This may be the time of the year to be thankful for everything that’s good in your life and to let loose and have a good time. That’s all fine and dandy, but don’t let loose with your co-workers. The last thing you want is your after-party-rendezvous to be the talk at the water cooler the next morning.
Don’t talk with your mouth full of food
Sometimes when we get caught up in the holiday spirit we forget our regular table manners. Keep it polite and proper at all times. Don’t do anything at your work dinner table that you wouldn’t do during Sunday dinner at your mom’s house.
Don’t be the first (or last) to leave
If you’re the first to leave it will seem as if you’re ungrateful and that’s no good. If you’re the last to leave you might be perceived as the hard-partying co-worker that doesn’t know when to call it quits. It’s polite to say good-bye to everyone before you leave and if you’re the first to go people will notice.
Talk shop if you need to, but only briefly
No one wants to only talk about work at a party, but sometimes it’s the only chance you get to finish something off before the holidays. If you need to talk business do so, but keep it brief. Then enjoy the party with your co-workers.
Partake in the festivities of the evening
Join in. That’s the only advice I have. I’ve seen a co-worker’s lack of participation as the subject of office gossip and that’s never good. If everyone is on the dance floor get up out of your seat and shake your booty – even if it’s only for one song. You’re at the party so you might as well have a good time.
