Dominique Rodgers* says there are some good rules to follow to make sure you act appropriately at your workplace Christmas party.
Once upon a time in a rented hotel ballroom far, far away, the perfect office holiday party was thrown.
Different departmental teams mingled merrily, and even the introverts felt perfectly at ease.
Nobody got wasted, and everyone got along perfectly.
But since you don’t work at Imaginary Office, you have to deal with a real-life Christmas party – even if you might dread it.
Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert, says that unless you loathe your job, it’s toxic, and you don’t want to spend even one minute beyond the normal work day with colleagues, you will have to attend.
“Not attending is sometimes better than attending if you’re going to look and feel miserable the entire time,” says Salemi.
“Unless it’s this extreme though, you should try to grin and bear the party even for a little while.”
Here are some tips on how to get through the most wonderful time of the year without turning into a Grinch.
Dress appropriately
When deciding what to wear to a holiday party, the important thing is to gauge what your office is doing and follow suit.
If it’s a casual do in the lunch room, dress how you would for work.
Don’t be the person wearing a cocktail dress or ascot to the lunch-hour Secret Santa gift swap.
You will never live that down.
Don’t be a grinch
In every office, there are some who will approach an office party like they’re too cool for school.
They skip it, or worse, they attend and then complain about how they spend enough time with their co-workers already.
Yes, you need to attend the office holiday party – it’s a work event, says Richie Frieman, manners and etiquette coach.
Not only is it disrespectful and rude to the organisers if you publicly complain, but you’re also missing an opportunity.
“Everyone is nicer during the holidays,” Frieman says, “and an office holiday party is your chance to create greater bonds.”
Network with someone new
Take some time to network at your office party.
By making an effort to speak to someone outside your circle, you can grow your sphere of influence.
You’ll expand your network and appear as a team player.
You never know how that individual might be able to help you in the future.
Arrive on time but don’t stay too late
Be respectful of everyone’s time – the organisers don’t want people there while they’re setting up or tearing down.
Salemi’s pro tip is to get there right when it starts.
She advises that “the C-Suite executives usually show up early, too”.
“Put in face time, work the room, and get the food while it’s hot!”
Make the most of your time there, and as Salemi suggests, turn it into a game with a checklist in your head: talk to boss, check.
Talk to boss’s boss. Check.
Mingle with co-workers.
Eat free dinner.
Done!
Smile and try to enjoy it.
“You can get a lot accomplished in less than two hours,” Salemi says.
“And if you do end up staying longer, remember you can leave at any time.”
“The important thing is that you showed up for yourself.”
Talk about something besides work
Your co-workers are more than just humans you work with; they’re also humans who have families, hobbies, and causes they care about – just like you do.
It’s hard to have a good time when you’re discussing the finer points of your job responsibilities, so avoid work topics as conversation starters.
“Instead, connect with co-workers as people,” Frieman says.
“That goes very far in business, and management can see you have a social side to you.”
Don’t overindulge
As important as it is to relax, have a good time, and share the more social side of yourself at the Christmas party, you’re still in a professional environment, so keep your decorum intact.
Translation: Know your drink limit and stick to it like glue.
Don’t turn yourself into water cooler fodder for the next day.
Follow your gut and watch how much you imbibe.
Follow office etiquette
Nobody wants to be the butt of a joke, but when it comes down to it, somebody will inevitably do or say something embarrassing.
In the age of social media, what goes on at the party, does not necessarily stay at the party.
For this reason alone, conduct yourself in such a way you’ll be proud to see yourself tagged in videos and photos, not embarrassed.
It may only be one night at a holiday party, but the internet lives forever.
Say thank you
Before you leave your office party, be sure to show gratitude for your employer’s generosity.
Planning a party, regardless of size, is no easy feat.
Find your boss and the party organisers and thank them for the festivities.
This tiny gesture can go a long way in helping you stand out from the crowd.
* Dominique Rodgers is a contributor to Monster.
This article first appeared at www.monster.com/career-advice
