Holiday Party Business Etiquette Tips: Be Festive not Foolish
Posted on Fri, Dec 09, 2011
by Meghan Kenneally
The annual office holiday party is something that has grown greater than itself: it’s not just drinks with co-workers, but the event has earned a reputation of a mysterious night when who-knows-what will happen! And that is not always a good thing.
Legends of drunken karaoke sing-a-longs and inappropriate flirtations have turned the office holiday party into a worrying event for many business professionals who pride themselves and their business etiquette knowledge, but fear looking like a square (even when they are outside of their cubicle).
By following keeping mind of your drinking etiquette and general business social skills, you will be able to strike the perfect balance between amiable co-worker and skilled professional.
One of the biggest obstacles for many is the fact that the temptation of a cheap (or often open) bar. It is important to keep your personal brand and corporate image in mind in this situation: is your reputation worth that third drink? The real point of an office party is for people get to know one another outside of the confines of deadlines and formal emails. It is not to get sloshed in front of the people you try to impress on a daily basis.
While each person handles alcohol differently and each office is unique, a general rule of thumb is that you should maintain your high standard of business etiquette at the office party just the way you would on any daytime corporate function. Just because there may be tinsel hung about or someone dressed up as Santa does not mean that all etiquette guidelines go out the window.
Feel free to have a drink or two, but remember that it is probably wise to make those drinks last. This will provide you the best opportunity to get into longer conversations with your co-workers: what do they have planned for the New Year? What was their favorite part of the year past? Take a moment to really bond, for that is the real purpose of the office party anyway.
It is also important, especially in the business world, to appreciate multicultural differences. Various cultures and religions interpret the holidays in their own way, so be aware of your peers’ traditions. Or, if you are unsure, use this as an opportunity to learn more about the people you work with and their backgrounds, all the while being extremely careful to be respectful of different traditions and customs. It is very important to be genuine with your curiosity and not condescending or all-knowing.
While the holidays are a blast, it is vital to remember that they do not last. They come just as quickly as they go, but unfortunately for some who imbibe too much at their office parties, the memories of drunken actions do not disappear as quickly. As a result, be mindful of your antics and keep the mood completely professional.