It's officially holiday season which means many companies throw their yearly office party. We've all heard the horror stories of co-workers shamelessly hooking up, embarrassing drunken slobbery, and folks making utter fools of themselves in other capacities in front of their bosses and peers. We may have even seen the debauchery unfold right before our eyes or made the regrettable decisions to party too hard in the past. And no, your co-workers haven't forgotten how you overdid it on the eggnog, xeroxed your face, and faxed it to upper management.
This year, enjoy the company holiday party and even be the life of it, without embarrassing yourself by showing off your "Electric Slide" moves to the new intern from accounting. By maintaining a level of decorum and tastefully spending enjoyable time with your co-workers, you can have a blast at the holiday party and even wake up hangover-free. It's time to party!
1. Have a Drink or Two (NO more)
If you enjoy a glass of merlot, a crisp seasonal beer, or a fruity cocktail now and then, there's no reason to forgo an adult drink at the office party. They're being offered, so it isn't like you brought your own flask of Jack Daniels to sneak in the restroom.
That said, know your limit and remain coherent at all times. Drink soda or water between drinks and promise yourself you'll only down a drink or two. As per Monster, "Over-imbibing is deadly to your office reputation, because your secret -- and not necessarily complimentary -- thoughts about your coworkers, boss and job are more likely to come flying out of your mouth when you've had too much to drink, says image consultant Dianne Daniels."
Along with the "liquid truth" element of too much alcohol, you can become clumsy, uninhibited (leading to who-knows-what), and ill. Puking in your party dress is not a resume-builder.
2. Prepare a Non-Offensive Joke
Everyone likes to share a good laugh, especially in a party atmosphere, so break the ice by busting out a clever joke to show you're outgoing and fun. However, know your audience and keep it clean. Offending HR even in a party setting is still a major faux pas.
If you're not a born comedian, seek out some jokes and one-liners online. Laugh Factory is chock full of chuckle-inducing content with all sorts of jokes in a variety of categories. Wouldn't you rather be the one people are laughing with and not at this year?
3. Mix & Mingle
Some of us never get to know everyone we work with when we're confined to a particular department or area of the building. The company party is the perfect time to introduce yourself to the folks in marketing, legal, and sales. Find out more about them both personally and professionally. Sticking with the same crowd you see day in and day out may feel comfortable, but it's a tad boring, not to mention, fairly rude. Parties were meant to be fun and part of the fun is sharing in the celebration with everyone present.
Monster suggests, "Say hello, and try to imagine doing a figure-eight around the room, greeting as many people as you can, says Michael Ray Smith, PhD, a communication professor at Campbell University."
Once you get to know more of the people who keep the company running, you'll have more appreciation for them and your company as a whole. Plus, in the future, they'll remember that you made the first move to become more sociable.
Are you ready to party? When all else fails, watch how your boss behaves. Let's hope he or she knows how to keep it together. Then, indulge in the food, take in the music, and let the good times roll!
For more party etiquette tips, read some worthy recommendations from Business Insider.
