While most holiday office parties are winding down, there are still some scheduled in the last week before Christmas. Knowing – and practicing – appropriate behavior at the holiday office party can be somewhat confusing. Every office environment has its own style, politics and expectations, so finding “your” place in the midst of those realities can certainly be overwhelming and uncertain. Here are few things to keep in mind….
1) Regardless of how much your boss and co-workers may be imbibing from the bar, limit yourself to one or two adult beverages during the course of the party.
2) Dress conservatively – this is not a “girls or boys night out.”
3) If there’s music and a dance floor, dance… but not on the table.
4) Never flirt with the boss’s spouse.
5) If someone’s spouse is flirting with you, gently excuse yourself and walk away.
6) Don’t leave the party with a co-worker… this is how career-killer rumors get started.
7) Do some advance research to determine the hobbies and personal interests of upper management. This is one of the few times you can connect with them on a personal level and find commonalities outside the office.
8) Arrive on time, but never be the last person to leave.
9) If the party is being held at someone’s home, bring a small, but thoughtful host gift.
10) Following the party, send a thank you note to the host and/or your boss for such a wonderful evening (even if it wasn’t).
Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina
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