It seems inevitable that every year someone does something wacky at the workplace Christmas party. One year Laura in accounting drank too much and spilled company secrets, and another year, Mark in IT made a drunken speech professing his love for his boss.
The workplace party is not just a social event, it is an extension of your job and how you conduct yourself shows a lot about who you are. There are some things that you simply should and should not do.
Dress Appropriately
Remember that how you choose to dress reflects on you. This is not a personal party with your friends, so you should be modest. This is not the place to wear the following:
- Mini skirt
- Short shorts
- Halter top
- Anything exposing your belly
- Excessive cleavage
- Pants below the waist
- Jeans
- Athletic wear
You should not wear anything too sexy or revealing to your workplace Christmas party. Even though you are at a party, you are still representing your workplace, and you are in the presence of your co-workers and your boss.
Who to Bring to the Christmas Party
Before you invite a guest, consider the workplace policy on parties. Some companies do not allow spouses. Do not bring a guest if you are not permitted. Be polite and RSVP so that the organizers can have account for how many people will be there.
If the workplace does allow you to bring a guest, do not bring an inappropriate guest. Remind your guest to be on his or her best behaviour. How your guest behaves is a reflection on who you are. People will judge you if your guest is loud and obnoxious.
The workplace Christmas party is not for children. If you are stuck, ask if your workplace provides childcare during the party, or arrange to have a baby-sitter. It is inappropriate to bring your child.
Drinking at the Christmas Party
Drinking at the Christmas party is every individual person’s choice. For some people, even one drink is too much, and are better off not drinking at all. If you choose to drink, drink in moderation and know your limits.
If you will be drinking, it is polite to keep your drink in your left hand so that you can shake hands with your right hand.
If you stay sober, you may save yourself some embarrassment. When a person is intoxicated, he or she is more likely to say or do something inappropriate including:
- Yell
- Harass employees
- Demand to be kissed under the mistletoe
- Indecent exposure
- Vomit
- Pass out
- Make inappropriate sexual advances
Remember that just because you are inebriated, it does not give you the right to make others feel uncomfortable. This is not a bar, it is a work function. Inappropriate behaviour including sexual harassment will be taken seriously and can result in disciplinary action and termination.
What You Should and Should not Talk About
The workplace Christmas party is the perfect opportunity to get to know your colleagues on a social level.
Leave your work problems at the office. You should be relaxed, do not bring up work problems that are likely to cause conflict or stress.
Keep the conversation positive and upbeat. Don’t get into heated discussions about politics sex, race and religion. These are touch subjects and you are in the company of your boss. It is not the time or place to force your personal opinions on others.
Don’t complain about the service, the food and the parking just because you have run out of things to say.
Let everyone have the chance to speak, and don’t monopolize the conversation by bragging about your accomplishments, and putting others down.
Don’t be the person who will only speak when he wants to brag, complain, correct, whine, or ridicule others.
Don’t forget about body language. If your arms are crossed, and you are yawning, tapping your foot, drumming your fingers on the table, and rolling your eyes, people will know that you do not want to be there.
Gossiping at the Christmas Party
When people have run out of things to say, or feel self-conscious, they often turn to gossip. This is not a good thing to do at an office party.
You should refrain from gossip at work in general, and you should especially avoid gossiping about other staff members. That gossip will get back to the person, word will spread that you are the workplace gossip, and you will not be taken seriously at work.
Imagine trying to explain yourself when the person or your boss walks in on the conversation. Avoid this highly stressful, embarrassing and unnecessary situation.
Spreading gossip is petty, rude and mean-spirited. Nothing good will come of it, your popularity will be short-lived, and by Monday, people will be gossiping about you.
Mingling with Co-Workers
If you see someone sitting all alone, head over and make polite conversation.
Some people are shy and don’t feel comfortable approaching others and starting conversations. Reach out and talk to new employees and people in other departments, and you may find that you have a lot in common.
Interacting with your Boss
Greet your boss, make polite conversation, and then move on. Do not make the situation awkward for yourself by brown-nosing, asking for confidential information, or extra time off.
This is not the time or place to ask your boss for a raise. This could potentially spoil the boss’s evening, and he or she could feel put on the spot and uncomfortable.
It is also not the time to complain about other employees.
If your boss asks you to dance, decline the invitation if you feel uncomfortable. Do not feel obligated to dance; you have the right to refuse.
Interacting With Senior Management
The president, vice president or CEO may be present at the Christmas party. Your boss may introduce you, or you may choose to greet senior management yourself.
Don’t flirt with senior management. This is not cute, and it is completely unprofessional.
Don’t complain about your boss or ask for a promotion because doing so would be highly inappropriate.
If you do these things, senior management will remember you, but not in a positive way.
Displaying Decorum at the Workplace Christmas Party
You do not have to party all night. You can stay for two hours which gives you enough time to make your way around the room and say hello to everyone, and then head out. It is better to leave early rather than to be asked to leave, or forced out.
Always remember that this is not a holiday. This party is an extension of the workplace.
Behave as though your actions are being monitored, and remember that people are taking pictures which will likely appear on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.
Gift Exchange
Some workplaces do a gift exchange during the holiday season. If there is a gift exchange at the Christmas party, be responsible in choosing a gift. Do not give a gift that is derogatory or sexual.
Plan for a Safe Ride Home
If you plan to drink at the Christmas party, arrange for a designated drive to pick you up, take public transit or a cab home, or stay at a hotel.
Ask management if there is an office policy providing safe rides home for those who have been drinking.
Don’t drink and drive.
Sources:
- Appropriate Behaviour at the Company Christmas Party. Helium.com.
- Bryant, Susan. “Office Holiday Party Etiquette.” Career-advice.monster.com.
- Cho, Hanah. “Don’t forget Office Party Etiquette.” Baltimoresun.com.13 November, 2006.
- “Christmas Party Etiquette.” CarinsDining.com.
- Chun, Josie. “Nine Ways to Survive the Office Christmas Party.” Resource Centre—Employment News& Views. CareerFAQs.com
- “Entertaining Ideas: Office Party Do’s and Dont’s:” Eatertainment. Eatertainment.com.
- Hansen, Randall S. “Holiday Office Party Do’s and Dont’s. ” Quintcareers.com.
- Morales, Tatiana. “Office Party Etiquette: How to Get Out of Sticky Situations.” The Early Show CBS News.com. 2 December, 2003.
- “Office Christmas Parties: Keeping Respect Around the Tree.” Blog Business World.com. 1 December, 2007.
Annique Daniel - My name is Annique Daniel, and I recently graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a BA in Journalism and Human Rights. I have a ...
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