Tis the season to be jolly, maybe. That means the Office Christmas Party. Most cringe at the thought. A few get excited. Some even rush out to book specialist appointments... how convenient.
Tis also the season to be cautious.Salvaging a reputationafter a work Christmas Party indiscretion is embarrassing and very often complex. If you're lucky you'll receive a few raised brows as you sheepishly return to work. At worst, you may find yourself up against a costly and career endinglegal claim. Either way, the positive image you've worked hard to cultivate will be damaged.
By following the ten tips below, you'll stay classy, have fun and leave the right impression.1. Pace yourself
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Doeat before the night begins and keep nibbling away. A drink of water between drops will keep you in control. Just remember that alcohol is not a prescribed anxiety medication.
2. Dress Appropriately
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Do dress the part. According toGoldman Sach's elevator guide, slightly different rules apply to men and women. Men should wear normal office attire. "The guy who shows up in skinny jeans clearly has too much free time." Women should wear something a little elegant, "And I’m sorry that you live in a sexist corporate world".
3. Leave no man behind
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Do have a buddy system. Patsy Rowe, business etiquette advisor and author ofBusiness Etiquette: achieving a competitive edge in business,suggestsarranging one prior to the event. You keep an eye out for each other, and if required, bundle the other into a taxi when the alcohol begins making decisions.
4. Keep it light-hearted but not totally informal
Leonard Freed/Magnum PhotosDo use the opportunity to mingle and socialise with your colleagues. Think of it as a networking opportunity to form new contacts or cement existing relationships. Avoid liberties such as calling your boss by his nickname, especially the ones he's not privy to.
5. Watch your tongue
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Do think before you speak.
Gauge the crowd. Avoid racey stories or jokes that may make your colleagues feeluncomfortable or degraded.'But it wasn't meant to offend,' will be no defence in your exit interview (or legal challenge).
6. Give 'touchy-feely' a wideberth
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Don't. Just don't. Be VERY careful here. That "friendly co-worker" who sits on your knee, is setting you up for fail. As for CHEEK-TO-CHEEK dancing - under no circumstances...not even if Chris De Burgh himself has joined the Party and is singingLady in Redjust for you. Be aware! For the office gossiper is hunting and gathering.
7. You're not getting a pay rise
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Your boss doesn't care, won't listen, and will think less of you if you start pressing him on how valuable you are to the company. Try not to talk shop and definitely don't ask for that pay rise. Simply beyourself and don't overdo it.
8. No broadcasting
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Don't be that person posting Instagram updates every five minutes. You won't be trusted. Also, don't be the gossip. That one of your co-workers has gone to the toilet three times in 45 minutes is of no concern to you or anyone else.
9. Go home as you came to work
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If you didn't come to work with him/her, don't go home with him/her. It's that simple.
10. Just remember, keep it classy
You will have to face your colleagues in the morning. So just remember to keep it classy.
Follow this advice and you will breeze into the office the next day with vitality and not a snigger of regret about you. If you're not the type who heeds such advice, that's fine too; you probably won't be working there for very long anyway.
