It’s that time of year again when your company throws a party to celebrate the end of the year and the holidays. This may sound like the perfect occasion to unwind with your coworkers, but when it comes to company parties it’s all about celebrating in moderation to maintain your level of professionalism. There are boundaries that must be recognized and ones to not cross at company holiday parties. Here are your do’s and don’ts for your next company holiday party.
Do dress festive, but professional as well. Women in particular may find parties the perfect time to wear that cute mini-skirt or tight dress, but those outfits are best left saved for your next ladies night out instead of your company’s holiday party. Get festive by wearing red, green, silver or gold attire, and wear something modest.
Don’t drink too much. Even though you’re at a party, technically you’re still at work. Don’t ruin the professional reputation you’ve been building by drinking to excess. You’ll make a bad impression on your boss and other superiors at the company letting them know that you can’t maintain a mature and professional image at a party. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t drink at all, but keep your drinks to a minimum and make sure to eat and drink water, as LifeHacker suggests.
Do talk to people you don’t normally get to speak with. At work, you probably have your set of work friends that you converse with on a daily basis. It may be tempting to stick with your work clique at the holiday party, but given that this is one of the few times the entire company is together, you should take advantage of it. Introduce yourself to senior level management such as the CEO and president. Making yourself known to them will make a good impression and boost your professionalism as well. Aside from them, get to know your other coworkers.
Don’t get too personal during conversations. When you’re meeting new people, whether it’s your coworker’s spouse or the new employee, the people you meet for the first time don’t want to hear about your personal problems or life story. That sort of information introduced in a first meeting leaves a bad impression. Keep your conversations light and friendly. Ask how long your coworker has been married to his or her spouse, or make small talk over the food.
Do make sure to thank the host before you leave. Whoever was in charge of planning the holiday party must have tried their best to make it fun for everyone. A lot goes into planning an event, so make sure you tell them how much you appreciate their hard work and how much you enjoyed your night.
What are some other tips you would give to those attending a company holiday party? Any horror stories to share? Share with us in the comments section below!
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