Office Christmas party? Here’s what NOT to do!
It’s that time of year again. Office Christmas party time!
And whether your workplace goes all-out with a huge event that lasts all night, or it’s more of a casual affair with a bit of Secret Santa and a quick pint at the local pub, there are certain rules that apply.
It might be tempting to go wild and let your alter-ego out (especially after a few festive drinks) but the last thing you want is to raise eyebrows when the whole team is there to witness you in full flight.
So follow these simple rules to ensure you can walk into work with your head held high the next day!
1. Don’t get too merry
Let’s get this one out of the way. The reality is that many of the embarrassing moments that make us cringe afterwards are down to too much alcohol.
So make a pact with yourself that you’ll take it easy, drink lots of water and give yourself a home time, like Cinderella leaving the ball before midnight.
The drinks may be flowing but don’t forget who you’re actually with…
2. Don’t forget that your boss, is your boss
Yes, you’re in a social situation and yes the inhibitions are lowered thanks to those delicious Christmas cocktails but try to remember the office pecking order.
Your manager may be being extra friendly but that’s no reason to start berating them about the bonus system, complaining about your colleagues or treating them to your ‘hilarious’ banter just like the rest of the gang… They’re still the one that decides on your future at the company!
3. Don’t talk work…
Use this opportunity to show some interest in your colleagues and their lives outside of the office.
Talking shop is boring so leave chat about office politics and the latest internal promotions until Monday morning.
4. Don’t forget to mingle
It’s tempting to stick with your friends, but you never know who you might click with if you venture out and broaden your work social sphere.
And it’s a chance to network and make stronger connections across the company too, which will all come in handy when you need a favour from another department or would like to be considered for a new job in the year ahead.
Dancing is fun! Just don’t forget you’re not in a music video…
5. Don’t forget that you’re NOT a professional dancer
The drinks are flowing and the tunes are blasting out and you’re feeling yourself.
But recreating the entire Single Ladies music video routine, busting out some break dance moves, getting ultra sultry or trying to twerk are just not okay.
Firstly, it’s more than likely you’ll do them all badly, and secondly we promise you’ll get excruciating flashbacks for the rest of the year.
6. Don’t forget to eat
With any luck there’ll be some food involved as part of the festive celebrations so make sure you make the most of it.
It’ll help to combat all that prosecco…
7. Don’t ditch work the next day
The worst thing you can do is not turn up for work the next day… even if you then fall asleep at your desk
Even if you did throw some seriously weird shapes on the dance floor, talk your boss’ ear off, fall over in your heels, hog the karaoke and spill canapes down your front, you’ve got to face the music and get yourself to work the next day.
Style it out kids, style it out. And nobody will believe you’ve had a last minute attack of the flu anyway…