December is the month of work parties! Get ready to have a great time with colleagues outside of the office, but keep it classy. Here are the work party don’ts:
You want to have a good time, but letting loose will likely lead to doing or saying things in your coworkers’ and boss’s presence that you’ll regret. Go ahead and enjoy a cocktail, but know your limit and be wise in this professional setting.
Even though you’re going to a party and not the office, you will still be surrounded by coworkers and work superiors. Avoid see-through, revealing clothing that could make you appear unprofessional. Photos will be taken and likely posted in the office or on Facebook afterwards.
Go ahead and wear a little more makeup, style your hair, and show your personality, but cover up and dress according to the professional reputation you want to maintain.
Spouses and significant others are usually brought along to the party, and they won’t be able to fully participate in work conversations with the employees. Be courteous and leave the office at the office. Your coworkers will likely appreciate a break from the stress of everyday work anyway. Be positive and cheerful in your conversation; don’t be a party downer.
Don’t simply assume your spouse or girlfriend is welcome. If it’s not indicated that you can bring a guest, ask! This is especially important at small companies with few employees. If you are welcome to bring a guest, don’t bring someone that you barely know. You wouldn’t want a first date to embarrass you in front of the people you work with every day.
Have tact and avoid talking on your phone, texting, emailing, tweeting, or anything else on your electronic devices. Don’t take that risk of appearing rude. Make conversation, and get to know your colleagues. Also, take care not to post pictures online of your coworkers without permission. You wouldn’t want to embarrass or offend someone by tagging them in a picture they don’t approve of.
If the party is at someone’s home, bring a small gift of gratitude that won’t create more work for the host. For example, bring a homemade treat or a fancy delicacy that your host could enjoy later.
Be polite and arrive within 15 minutes of the start time. This shows respect to the company and party organizers.
Jacqueline Whitmore, author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work advises,
“Be mindful of what you say — the jokes, the comments. We’re human. We want to have fun, but be mindful that it’s a company event. There’s still a level of professionalism you must maintain.”
Despite the more relaxed atmosphere, be careful with what you say. You wouldn’t want to offend someone or ding your good reputation in the office.
Lizandra Vega, a professional image consultant says,
“The biggest “don’t” for the office party is to hit on or flirt with a colleague, your boss or the intern. It will damage your professional image beyond repair. It can instantly cost you your job.”
If you and a colleague are interested in each other, spend time together another night. The office party is not the place to get a date!
Enjoy this opportunity to get to know your coworkers outside of the office and have fun! Just don’t do anything that will make you the topic of conversation when back to work on Monday.