The office Christmas party - the annual event that causes normally
mature and sane professionals to drink outrageous amounts of alcohol,
dance seductively on tables, engage in grotesque public displays of
affection and voice shocking revelations that would surely have been
better kept private. If you liken your company's Christmas party to a
tooth extraction (and prefer the later) you're not alone. Five out of
ten employees say they'd rather not attend. While half of us would
rather skip it, 95% of employees feel that skipping the corporate
shindig could have a negative effect on their careers. Better to grin
and bear it than risk chances at future promotions. Besides you'll get
a look at your co-workers better half's which can make the whole event
worth it. No matter where you fall in your opinion of the annual event
read these tips on how to survive it without compromising your health,
reputation or career.
No Excuse - You Gotta Go
Even though the Christmas party memo states attendance as
"non-mandatory" that's corporatese for "we're putting a lot of effort
in this thing and we expect you to go." Don't attend and risk being
accused of not being a team player or that you're too good for the
team. One evening a year and an appropriate nod or smile at the right
VP or manager has changed the course of careers!
Dress Appropriately
If it isn't stated on the Christmas party memo the venue will dictate
the proper attire. If you're unsure, ask a more experienced co-worker
whose opinion you trust. The last thing you want to do is to draw
unwanted attention with an outfit that screams
"I-do-not-know-how-to-dress-appropriately." And please keep it decent,
your co-workers do not need to see your "naughty-bits"
Timing is Everything
Time your arrival to your advantage. You don't want to be the first to
arrive, or the last. An early arrival could put you in a position to
make awkward small talk. You definitely don't want to arrive halfway
through the main course either. Try to arrive with a crowd of folks.
Get Out of the Corner - Mingle
Though tempting, don't head right to the bar or buffet table upon
arrival. Mingle a bit first. Make sure to have conversations with
everyone you know in the room even if it's just to wish them happy
holidays. Be sure to converse with close co-worker's spouses besides
being polite, they may provide a window as to why some of them are so
weird. Above all else -- don't vent about company matters. You never
know who may be listening, the guy behind you in the shrimp line could
be the CEO's relative.
Pace Thyself
Avoid the temptation to over indulge at the bar! This is a biggie lest
you end up with a nasty hang-over and a vague memory of table-top
dancing with the bosses wife. Do indulge moderately but pace yourself
and alternate alcohol drinks with non-alcoholic ones. Consider your
transportation home before the party. Public transport or a taxi may be
in order.
Keep your Hands to Yourself
It's a fact that one third of all couples meet at work, not surprising
since we spent so much time there. However, the Christmas party is NOT
the place to act on any romantic impulses. We've all heard the stories
of the "so-and-so" that were doing "such-and-such" (or worse) at the
office Christmas party - don't let this be you! Remember that you'll
face "so-and-so" and your amused co-workers at the office Monday. I
can't even begin to imagine how awkward this situation must be. And
while we're on the subject -- don't leave the party with a co-worker of
the opposite sex -- this is how those nasty rumors get started.
Be Merry and Bright
Sure you'd rather be home watching It's a Wonderful Life with a cup of
spiked eggnog but it's just one night. Make the best of it and enjoy
yourself. Create little games for yourself like secretly counting how
many times Bob from sales visits the dessert table or guess who will
hit the dance floor first. Before you know it the night will be nearing
a close and you will have survived the all thing. And Bob will have
survived his 5 plates of dessert.
Exit - Stage Right
Leave the party quietly. Avoid any "you-guys-are-the-best" speeches.
Say goodbye to those around you and make your way to the exit door.
Just like your arrival, you don't want to be the first or last to
leave. After eating, conversing and making the appropriate rounds
you're free to make your escape.
Though the Office Christmas party can be a potential minefield it's
also a chance to enjoy an evening with your favorite co-workers in a
festive atmosphere. Who knows you may actually have fun. In any event,
you'll be doing your corporate career duty and may be a first hand
witness to "so-and-so" doing "such-and-such" which falls in the
you-had-to-be-there category.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
