Office party do's and don't's - Remember it's still business. Make this season a time to advance (or steady) your career with these tips.
It takes place every year, not always the same place or the same time. And with the tight economy, it may not be as big or the food as plentiful, however, these coming weeks will bring the anticipated (or dreaded) office parties. Just be sure to conduct yourself in a manner that will not have you regretting your actions the next day. Wearing a paper bag over your head is not an option; anyway folks will still know who you are. Even those who do not know you, will know what happened if the buzz is loud enough.
The office holiday party is not an excuse to get wild and crazy. If you do, you will be sorry the next day. And, if you work in a large place, the stories never die, every year that follows, the story will arise like the fabled Phoenix Bird.
It does not matter if an office party takes place in the office during business hours or off site in the evening, it is still a business function. This is the time to be on your best behavior so act accordingly and follow the rules of office party etiquette:
- Do not skip the party. If you don’t want to stick around from start to finish, at least make an appearance at the festivities. Get there on time, mingle with coworkers and bosses, eat a bit of the food, thank the host, then leave.
- If you have promised or have been assigned to bring food, etc. do so. Don't come empty-handed and offer excuses. There no excuse for poor manners. If you have time to make a dish or prefer not to, it is perfectly fine to stop by a bakery or deli to pick something up.
- Mingle before you consume. When you arrive at the party, circulate the room saying hello before you head for the buffet table or bar.
- Stay with your client. If you have invited or are bringing clients to the party, it is your duty to make sure they are comfortable. Introduce them to your coworkers so they can put a face to the name they have heard. Make sure they have enough to eat and drink.
- Take the time to thank your bosses and your peers. Congratulate coworkers for jobs well done or thank them for helping you on projects. Let coworkers know that you enjoy working with them.
- Don’t drink too much. It can only lead to embarrassment, insult or worse. Remember that you’ll be back in the workplace with most of the party-goers and drunken or other embarrassing behavior could be hard to live down.
- Be courteous to your mate or friend. If you bring your mate or friend, make sure he or she is included in conversations and introduced to people with whom you work closely.
- Get good directions. If the party is being held outside of the workplace, make sure you’ve got directions. You want to arrive at the party on time, do not be late because you failed to get good directions.
Now go out there and enjoy yourself.
