Jerry writes:
Our company office party is coming up next week and I am seeking some advice so as not to experience the same problems I had at last year’s holiday party. I thought the idea was for everybody to have fun and blow off some steam, but after doing just that last year my boss had me in the doghouse for quite some time. What’s proper and what’s not?
The Career Doctor responds:
From what I’ve heard and read, more employers are bringing back holiday parties as a fairly inexpensive reward for employees who have worked hard this year. And I think holiday office parties can be a nice perk for employees, assuming you know the boundaries and don’t blow off too much steam.
Holiday parties should be a chance to relax and unwind outside the office, to celebrate a year of hard work, and to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. It should be a time to see the boss — and perhaps even higher-ups — and socialize on a personal level rather than a work level. It’s a chance to build your network within the company. It’s a chance to show company spirit.
Unfortunately, holiday parties can also be traps for some people — who somehow think it’s the perfect time to hit on a co-worker, tell off the boss, or get stinking drunk. And at one of my office parties, I saw more than one person do all three!
Here are a few holiday office party do’s and don’ts to avoid the doghouse:
Do conduct yourself professionally at all times. Don’t use the office party as an excuse to blow off steam. It’s still a company function, so proper etiquette and decorum matter.
Don’t pass up the invitation to an office party; not attending could hurt your reputation. And when you attend, do spend at least 30 minutes at the party for appearances. But don’t overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours.
Don’t bring the party lampshade, gag gifts for the boss, or any other crazy stuff you might do at a personal holiday party.
Don’t forget to thank the person responsible for the planning and coordinating of the party. And do consider sending a thank-you note to top management for hosting the party.
For more, see my article, Holiday Office Party Do’s and Don’ts, published on Quintessential Careers.
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