The Office Christmas Party: The Do’s & Don’ts

We all want to have a great time without embarrassing ourselves at the office Christmas party. So we’ve composed a guide for you to survive the event without any damage to yourself or your reputation:

Do attend

Not attending can hurt your reputation. The invite may be optional, but it’s still a good idea to attend, as it shows that you’re part of the team. You don’t need to be there for hours, but stay for at least 30-40 minutes.

Dress appropriately

You don’t want to be under or over-dressed, so ask if the dress code is formal or casual. Conservative party clothes are the best choice considering the environment is still professional.

Professionalism

Do behave professionally. Christmas parties may be social events to reward employees and raise morale, but they are still business events. Proper etiquette and decorum are essential to keep your reputation spotless.

With that in mind, enjoy yourself, but don't go crazy on the food-buffet or the open bar.

Party Talk

When alcohol is introduced and you’re having a nice time, is easy to let go of your social filter and say whatever comes to mind. So be careful: don’t gossip, brag, or talk too much about business.

Network

Do use the opportunity to talk to people whom you don’t usually have much contact with. If you have been eager to talk to the people higher up, then the Christmas party is the perfect place to do just that.

Shake people’s hand

Ensure you have one hand free at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep your drink in your left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet handshake.

Gifts & Thank-you notes

If the party is being hosted by someone at work make sure you bring a gift, it’s not polite to show up empty-handed. It doesn’t have to be anything big, a simple box of chocolates or a bottle of wine are perfect for the occasion.

And finally… always say thank you to the organisers, whether that’s in person or by social media, gratitude can go a long way in helping your relationships at work.