It's that time of year again where office parties loom on the horizon. An
event to look forward to and dread in equal measure, with colleague faux pas
certain to be on the increase with alcohol added into the mix. Read our top
tips on how to survive this festive season without getting your worst present
yet; your p45.
Be in it to Win it.
The idea of spending an evening with your boss and your colleagues might
seem like your worst nightmare, but it is always worth making the effort to
attend. Your Christmas party might turn out to be the perfect opportunity to
make new office allies, strengthen existing relationships and may even help
patch up old war wounds between you and the one who always manages to wind you
up in the office. If the event in question is really not your thing, find a
reason not to stay too long and bow out early; your colleagues will appreciate
the effort and you'll be seen as a team player.
Loosen up but don't Lose Control.
It is highly likely that you will be in the company of alcohol at your
office party. Even more temptingly, it could be free flowing and free of cost.
There's no harm in a little bit of indulgence but the key thing to remember is
to avoid getting really drunk. Become too intoxicated and you run the risk of
embarrassing yourself and behaving inappropriately; not something to do in
front of your boss. Make Monday morning bearable, stay merry and know your
limits.
Dress Appropriately.
Avoid unwanted attention at your work do by keeping exposed flesh to a
minimum. Men: don't unbutton your shirts too far, while women should stay away
from short skirts and low cut tops. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the
occasion.
Avoid those Cringe-worthy Colleague Kisses.
Alcohol + Work Colleagues = the potential for alcohol-fuelled office flings
; this is certain to be a bad idea. Avoid making a move on a colleague, you may
end up damaging office relationships and making your working life less
enjoyable as a result.
Know the Social/Work Balance
It is important to remember the company you are keeping; no matter how
friendly the banter and how relaxed you feel, these are your work colleagues
and there are boundaries. Don't bitch about colleagues or other members of the
business and avoid making controversial statements. Remember to conduct
yourself in a way that would befit the office, rather than with the lads down
the pub.
Most
importantly, make sure to Enjoy Yourself. You deserve it after this year's hard
work!
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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