Office Party Etiquette

It’s Office Party season! If you’re like us, you’re excited for the trays of canapes, flutes of bubbly and jazzy Christmas songs that await at your upcoming workplace gathering. But though office soirees have a casual “off the clock” feel, they are still workplace events. Rude or unseemly behaviour will be noticed. Who could forget last year when Brenda drank too much and fell while dancing, or when Taylor showed up at 11:30, in sneakers and a scowl? Conduct at social affairs has many professional ramifications. Employees across departments are going to draw conclusions about the kind of colleague you are based on your behaviour. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun and relax, but setting some rules for yourself will allow you to bask in the company and atmosphere without fear of being discussed around the water cooler tomorrow. Here are some small tokens of advice that will keep your holiday revelry far away from the rumour mill.

1. Arrive at an appropriate time. It never looks bad to arrive with punctuality, but for a large event, we recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes after the official start time. If the party is at a restaurant, however, don’t arrive later than 10 minutes after the reservation time. Resist the temptation to arrive “fashionably late”, an hour or two into the bash. This is a work event, and your willingness to arrive at an appropriate time and spend the evening with members of your organisation will indicate your high level of investment and interest in those around you.
   
                                            
2. Introduce yourself! The higher-ups organize parties in gratitude for all the hard work performed by staff, but they also provide a unique opportunity for work communities to cross-pollinate and get to know each other better. You’ll impress everyone by confidently introducing yourself to new faces or deepening connections to colleagues you don’t know well. Additionally, your willingness to take initiative will put everyone at ease and encourage others to do the same!
   
   

   

3. Be Mindful of your attire, both guys and gals. We aren’t here to police the length of your skirt or the pleats on your holiday khakis, but be aware that this is an office event. Consider the venue, time of day, and style of the event when picking your outfit. Default to follow office dress convention and formality, if little is known. However, it’s safe to have fun with wardrobe for this sort of affair. Add some festive colour and sparkle to your attire. If your feeling up to it, try a silly accessory for the season! It will be a fun conversation starter. 
   
                                  
4. Thank the organizers. The person or planning committee who made the whole thing happen has put in a lot of time and energy, and holiday planning is often unpaid labour. Make sure you set some time aside to thank the organizers before you make your final goodbye. If appropriate for the event and your job title, consider a public acknowledgment of their work in a toast. 
   
                                    
5. Can you bring a plus one? Do the math! Don’t just assume that significant others are invited as well. Make double sure before having your hubby to tag along. Partners can really change the dynamic of any gathering, not to mention that they can strain the bill. That could make things awkward for other guests or worse: piss off those in charge. Don’t make this gaff and check in with an organizer before bringing your counterpart. 
   
                                  
6. This should go without saying, but lest anyone forget: Don’t drink too much! It’s so easy to get carried away with the good company and festive atmosphere, but set a limit for yourself and stick to it! For work affairs, we set a two drink maximum, but make a rule that works for your tolerance level! The next day, you don’t want to regret your conduct or any comments you made. Save the wilder partying for get togethers with friends. Most important of all: DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Employers can offer cab vouchers or recruit volunteer designated drivers. 
   
                                              
7. No shop talk! Try to avoid talking about work related conversation topics. This is an opportunity to connect over anything but! Ask questions about your colleague’s families, travel and hobbies. And if work comes up, which is sometimes unavoidable, make sure you don’t gossip about others! Word travels faster than you think, and it’s almost impossible to guarantee privacy at big soirees. 
                                                          
8. Remember your manners. This is a unique opportunity for colleagues to observe you interact in a strictly social setting, so make sure you come across as a polite and pleasant to be around. Make sure you chew with your mouth closed, don’t leave your dirty plates and glassware in inappropriate places, and make eye contact and show interest in the people you are talking to. Basically, make momma proud!

                                     

These simple rules will allow you to navigate the holiday office party with ease and panache! The most important thing to remember is: have fun! Don’t be afraid of making a misstep. As long as your considerate and mindful of those around you, you’re sure to impress everyone. Relax, enjoy, and help yourself to another mincemeat tart!