We are in the mist of the festive season (and the snow) and as the saying goes, ’tis the season to be jolly’. December is the most celebrated time of the year and companies across the country are making their work’s Christmas parties as enjoyable and relaxed as possible. Nowadays, it is socially acceptable to eat and drink as much as you like, but there are some unwritten rules of Christmas work parties. Read on to handle the occasion with style and fun to ensure that it really is a memorable occasion for all the right reasons.
Do…attend
Attending the Christmas work party is optional, but do try your best to be there. By taking an interest in your work’s social event, you are actually helping to build great team morale and good company spirit.
Do…socialise
Socialising with your work colleagues is a must. Not only does it mean that you are not left standing or sitting on your own like ‘Billy No-mates’ but it also gives you the chance to get to know some of your work colleagues that you don’t talk to on a day to day basis, outside the confines of the office.
Do…plan your journey back in advance
Be safe! This is possibly the most important tip of all, especially if you intend to drink, as driving will not be an option. Be sure to look at train times in advance or book a cab before you leave home. Alternatively, you could book a hotel nearby if you have a long journey back home or know you will be having a tipple or two.
Do…network
As mentioned above the work Christmas party is great place to socialise, but it also offers the perfect opportunity for you to network and speak to people that you wouldn’t normally have contact with, such as the CEO and other senior staff. Try to mingle and talk to everyone. However, if you’re looking for that next promotion, the Christmas party isn’t the best place to discuss this!
Do…be professional
Dress appropriately by making an effort when choosing your outfit and show off your personality. However, bear in mind, a super short skirt and the deep cleavage top is not going to do you any favours. Also, be mindful of how you behave and watch what you say. Complement where possible and try not to use offensive language or belittle others.
Don’t…drink too much
It is socially acceptable to drink and be merry especially this time of year. We understand this can be tempting, especially when the alcohol is flowing freely but remember it is still a ‘work’ party so don’t embarrass yourself. There is nothing worse at a Christmas party than a person who does not know or stick to their alcohol limit.
Don’t…engage in office gossip
You may be outside the office but the Christmas work party is not the time or the place to be gossiping about other colleagues or talking about the poor management of the company. The negative conversation will only bring the mood down at what should be a joyous occasion.
Don’t…put everything on social media
In the age of social media, the smartphone is not too far away. Be careful of the comments and photos you are posting of the work Christmas party. The reach of social media can go further than you anticipate to existing/potential customers or future employees. This is not only embarrassing for you but also very damaging to the company’s reputation. Inappropriate images and comments NEVER go unnoticed and will be irreversible.
Don’t…leave too early
Leaving too early is just as bad as arriving more than 20 minutes late. You may have plans to meet friends in town after or you may not be enjoying the party itself but at least try and stick for the first 90 minutes. Then kindly excuse yourself.
Don’t…not turning up to work the next day
This can be hard, especially when you’ve had a late night but if everyone else can manage to drag themselves out of bed then so can you. Make sure that you are at your desk at a reasonable time, even if you look like you have had better days.
Although, we have gone through the most common do’s and don’ts of the work Christmas party, remember to enjoy a well-deserved party and make it a memorable one for the right reasons. Stay safe but allow yourself to relax and let your hair down, whilst simply having fun and getting into the seasonal spirit.