Is your employer organizing a holiday party? Wondering how to conduct yourself during the event? We’ve put together some advice that will help you ensure that any corporate event you attend will go smoothly – “5 a 7” included!
To go or not to go?
First of all, you need to decide if you’re going to go to the party or not. Will your presence or absence be noted by your colleagues or your boss? Will people hold it against you if you decide not to attend?
Our advice: if your employer organizes a party, you should go, even if only for part of the evening. It’s a chance to demonstrate your team spirit, especially if you are a supervisor in charge of other employees.
How to dress
You can choose to go the extravagant route and show off your good looks, or just dress a little better than you normally do. It’s up to you, but keep in mind that the party is really an extension of your workplace. The organizers may have gone to great lengths to create a party with a specific theme; if this is the case, try to play along with the theme without buying yourself an entirely new wardrobe.
If the party will be held at a bar, restaurant or hotel, dress in a way that is comfortable for the location. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes that will be comfy throughout the evening, especially if you plan to remain standing. Also, you might want to bring along something warm to wear, should you find yourself waiting for a taxi outside after the party.
Alcohol
Even if your employer has pockets deep enough to offer an open-bar event, as an employee it’s neither the time nor the place to taste every drink that the bartender can concoct. Are you having a little “pre-party” get together with colleagues before the main event? Take it easy on the booze before you arrive, especially hard liquor. An empty stomach will soon be filled, and you don’t want to arrive at a work party already tipsy.
As the “party rules” say, drink one glass of water after every alcoholic drink! Slow down your pace, don’t overdo it and stay away from the shooters!
Conversations
The work party is a perfect time to talk about anything other than work. Your colleagues and your boss would rather learn more about you than hear your advice on how to run the company or manage projects. Keep the conversation light, as you would with people who you are meeting for the first time.
Make an effort to learn more about your co-workers, to identify common interests and to avoid controversial topics. Rumours and gripes can make the rounds very quickly during these types of events. The way you handle yourself and the subjects you talk about will be imprinted in the minds of your colleagues, so make sure you stay positive.
Wandering hands
With everything that has been happening in regards to how men interact with women – in particular, the #MeToo movement – even if your work party is happening in a bar, it goes without saying that your colleagues aren’t there to get hit on! If you want to compliment a co-worker on how they look, make sure you choose your words carefully. And since everyone there will no doubt have their phone handy, it’s easy for pictures to be taken of ambiguous situations. It’s good to avoid getting caught up in beautiful sheets.
Drugs
“Well,” you say to yourself, “weed is finally legal, so I can light up a joint outside without a problem!” But remember that the party is still a work-related event; your employer no doubt has a policy on the consumption of drugs, and that policy applies to the annual Christmas party as well. It’s best to avoid consuming drugs or openly discussing your consumption habits with co-workers.
The organizers
Be respectful about the organization of the party and avoid giving your opinions about it too readily. Receiving criticism about the party while it’s still happening is difficult to swallow for any organizer. Employees who helped organize the party are typically volunteers and they’ve been working hard during the year to get the party together. Rarely are professional organizers involved, so be sure to be thankful and if there are any hiccups, let them slide. Do you really want to change how the party is organized? If so, sign up for your employer’s social committee for the next year and you’ll be able to have your say in how the party is run.
When it’s time to leave the party, be sure to thank the organizers and your boss for the good time – they’ll remember it next Monday morning!
Have a great holiday party and don’t forget to order a taxi, or Nez Rouge if you’ve been drinking, it’s safe and free!
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