Holiday Parties

 

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The holidays are upon us, and holiday parties are around the corner.  This is a great opportunity to for team building, bonding and hanging out with your co-workers in a more casual setting.  There have been some great holiday parties with concerts and elaborate dinners and others that are more intimate at someone’s house or small restaurant.  No matter which one you attend, there are a few things you should remember during this holiday season.

Go to the party.  Missing the company party, especially when it’s a smaller one is a must.  Missing it can damage your reputation because you will go unnoticed, and that it’s almost guaranteed that people will talk about it.  If you cannot attend because of prior arrangements, let it be known when the party date is announced, or as soon as you know.  When you do arrive, make sure you stay at least 30 minutes, and thank the person who organized the party.  They tend to be a lot of work to put together.  The best thing is that you might get to know someone that you work with in a different light that will surprise you.  Many great friendships, and working relationships started at the company party.

Dress appropriately.  If you have a formal party or a casual one, make sure you dress for the occasion.  Wearing clothes that are too revealing or flashy will get you attention, just the wrong kind.  Keep it simple and fun, the best part is that you don’t need to impress people with your wardrobe at work, making it easier for you to pick an outfit.

Don’t drink too much.  This is the one that most people forget about.  Drinking too much, especially at a work function will tarnish your reputation.  It never fails that someone at the party, especially when there is an open bar, will put themselves in a bad situation because they were drunk or too tipsy.  If you do something inappropriate, it will be the talk of the office and you may lose your job.

Keep your hands to yourself.  Having fun with associates is always a good time, flirting always happens at the office, and dancing makes the party vibrant.  Yet make sure that your actions are appropriate.  Making the wrong move during a company party can end your employment quickly with something unwelcomed or illegal.

This is a business event. A great mentor of mine told me that you should never put yourself in a position, at a company party to damage your reputation.  Remember that anything you say can and will be held against you in the court of H.R.  Be yourself and have a lot of fun, for the holidays are a great time to share with family, friends and your associates, especially since you see them more than your family. Just be cautious to preserve what you build over your career.