To do or NOT to do!...At the office party.

Hello there!

 

The season for Annual General Meetings and office retreats/parties is soon upon us!

It's general knowledge to exercise restraint when attending such events; so here are a few do's and don'ts to bear in mind when 'surviving' the office party to ensure that you are able to look your colleagues in the face afterwards.

 

• Do remember that although office parties are intended as social events to reward employees and raise morale, they remain strictly business events. Do act as though your behavior is being observed every minute (because it probably is).


• Don't pass up the invitation to an office party or retreat; not attending could hurt your reputation. But then again, know when to pack up and leave. Don't be worried about not having fun, a jovial mindset will pull you through; that and A FEW glasses of champagne.

• Do conduct yourself professionally at all times. Don't use the office party as an excuse to blow off steam. It's still a company function, so proper etiquette and decorum matter.


• Do enjoy yourself at the party. Employers spend the big bucks to reward their employees, so be sure to enjoy the only holiday gift you may be getting from the company.


• Don't pull the nightclub attire from your closet for the event -- and do ask whether the attire for the party is formal or casual. The party is still a business function, so conservative party clothes are a good choice. So, do remember to skip anything too revealing or too flashy. Keep your reputation for good taste intact.

 
• Do keep your hands to yourself. Don't flirt, and do avoid any other inappropriate behavior. The office party is not the time to end your career with the company by doing something inappropriate or illegal.


• Don't spend all evening talking business. You'll forever have the label as the office bore.

• Don't monopolize conversations -- and, especially, don't talk about yourself or your accomplishments all night. Do show interest in others. Do be gracious and thank coworkers and team members for all their help and hard work during the past year. And don't even think about gossiping about others.

• Do take the time to network and schmooze with people at the party who can influence your career or who you may not see regularly, such as top management, people from other departments, and employees from other locations. A holiday party is a great event to begin building or strengthening business relationships, so do introduce yourself and build your network.

• Don't feel you need to drink excessively just because it's an open bar. And don't pig-out at the food buffet either. Moderation is key. You can always eat and drink more after the party.

• Do keep one hand free during the night so that you can offer handshakes to people as they come by. And do keep your drink in your left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet handshake all evening.

 

• Do be sure you know exactly who is invited to the party. Spouses or significant others are not always on the guest list for office parties. And if guests are permitted, don't bring an inappropriate person as your guest. You'll never live it down!

• Don't forget to thank the person responsible for the planning and coordinating of the party (this is just me lobbying for your next office party). And do consider sending a thank-you note to top management for hosting the party.

 

Have any words of wisdom you wish you (or 'someone else') knew before that debacle at your last office party? Share in the comments section! 

3A Event Solutions provides DIY meeting services as well as full event production packages for office parties, AGMs and functions. We'd love to plan yours next!

(Credits: www.quintcareers.com)