Obviously, holiday office parties aren’t meant to be the minefields that they can sometimes be. They are intended as a way for employees to mingle, bound and share good times and memories of the passing year. They can also be great morale builders and can help create a rapport with customers (that is if you have the foresight to invite clients to your party). So, how do you bound with co-workers and have a good time at your office party without becoming “that guy or gal?” Here are a few tips for navigating your holiday office party safely.
- Party Gifts: Employees should not buy presents for the boss. This can be seen as trying to curry favor with him/her and is a definite no-no. If you are an employee buying gifts for other employees try to keep your gifts simple and relatively inexpensive. Gift certificates are a generic gift that most people can enjoy without embarrassment. Finally, try designating a Secret Santa for the office.
- Dress appropriately: While you obviously want to wear something festive and appropriate for the season, don’t forget that you still are in the office. Don’t dress like you are going clubbing after the party. If you are unsure of the dress code for the party then ask the organizers of the party.
- Don’t be late: You should always be within about 15 minutes of the start of your party. Arriving late is a sign of disrespect towards the party’s organizers and your co-workers.
- Keep the conversations positive and upbeat: Don’t use the office party as a chance to blow off steam or engage in lengthy discussion on work related topics. Negative comments even said in jest could completely ruin the tone of the party and your reputation. You should use this opportunity as a chance to get to know your co-workers.
- Don’t be a glut or a lush: Either of these extremes can get you in a lot of trouble. Pace yourself and determine in advance how much food and drink you will consume.
In short, the behavior you display at the office holiday party can and often does dictate how people think about you long after the event has ended. Act like the loud, drunken buffoon at the party and this is how your co-workers and boss will come to view you thereafter. This could negatively impact your career or even end your assignment. As the top staffing firm in NYC, we know that many companies are planning their office parties now. Our executive assistant staffing in firm NYC wants to be sure that you don’t do anything to endanger your position with these companies and that you have a good time.