Oh dear, it’s that time of the year!
Everyone has a story about a year-end party that went horribly wrong… Some of those stories may be urban legends, but there are enough of them going around to guarantee that a few of them must be true.
The company holiday party is supposed to be a time to let loose a little, have a bit of fun and celebrate the spirit of the season with your colleagues. It can also be a minefield of potential disaster. You could ruin your workplace reputation forever with one false move. And with social media, chances are it won’t be limited to your workplace. Can you really risk going viral for all the wrong reasons?
The answer is a loud and resounding NO! Here is a list of do’s and don’ts that will help you show your face in the office—and at the hairdresser—again.
DO ATTEND
Even if it’s the very last thing you feel like doing, go! Even if it’s not officially mandatory, chances are it is – unofficially. Not going will send a negative message, it will look as if you aren’t interested or if you just want to put in the obligatory hours, take your pay check and go. Not a good look!
If it really is impossible for you to make it for a good reason, make sure you RSVP on time, so that the catering numbers aren’t affected.
DO BE ON TIME
‘Making an entrance’ or being ‘fashionably late’ is not appropriate for work events! Being early is just as rude – believe it or not. The organisers are aiming for a specific time and might not be ready for early birds.
It’s reasonable to get there within the first 15 to 20 minutes. If there is a specific time on the invite, such as 19h00 for 19h30, you’d better be there before 19h30! Don’t show up at the end just to show your face, even if you’d rather be anywhere else.
In short, get there on time and don’t be the last one to leave.
DO BE POLITE
This is the basics that your mother taught you: say hello, thank you and goodbye. Start with your hosts or bosses and the party planners. Say thank you to everyone who played a part in putting together the event and don’t just slip away.
Keep it authentic. Don’t be overly gushing, but compliment something you really enjoyed.
DON’T BRING AN EXTRA GUEST
Double-check the invitation: If it says to bring a Plus One, feel free. If not, don’t. If it isn’t clear, ask someone who will know.
Note: A work function is not the place to take a new or a blind date.
DON’T WEAR THAT!
As above, the invitation should give you clear guidelines on what is expected. Stick to it and make sure that your Plus One does the same.
Go for festive and tasteful. This is not the time for your short, skimpy or revealing outfits – no matter how cute you look in them! Women, especially, work very hard to create a professional image; the last thing you want to do is ruin it for a party.
DON’T GOSSIP
Leave the office politics at the office. Complaining about your job or co-workers and gossip can really come back to bite you! You never know who might be listening…
Another tip is not to get too personal and avoid discussions about sex, politics and religion. Keep it light-hearted, be interested in other people and get to know colleagues you don’t work with closely.
DON’T BECOME THE GOSSIP!
This is where we remind you about the danger of going viral for your office party escapades.
According to the experts, the most common mistake made at office parties is drinking too much. Overindulgence can loosen tongues and inhibitions, which can lead to a very embarrassing morning back at work! The last thing you want is to lose the respect you’ve built, especially with the boss.
By all means, have a drink or two if you feel like it, but don’t overdo it and don’t give in to peer pressure. Consider drinking water, soft drinks or non-alcoholic alternatives in between.
One of our experts warns: “Unless the party has a karaoke theme, save the singing for your car!” And, no matter how attractive you find the new person in accounting, stay away!
DO SHOW UP THE NEXT DAY
We’ve saved this little “Do” nugget for the end. There’s nothing worse than playing hooky the day after the office party. Even if you are really sick, nobody is going to buy it!
Of course, if you follow these tips and take your MYRKL* before the party, you should not have any morning-after regrets. The end-of-year party can be a great opportunity to bond with your co-workers, meet your bosses and have fun! With these tips on your side, that office party might just be the best thing that ever happened to you.
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently slows down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
