A Recruitment Consultant’s guide to getting through your office Christmas party…In one piece.
A Blog by Michael Khalil 09-12-11
It’s that time of year again folks! Office Christmas party season is well and truly open and for a lot of you hapless revellers that means anything is fair game. One too many Jaeger bombs and mince pies and there you go again, dancing on your desk with your tie round your forehead, making drunken passes at your co-workers, belting out your best rendition of Let It Snow and producing multiple photo copies of your – well, you know the rest. I say anything is fair game because if you are the poor partridge stuck in that pear tree lets hope it’s not you who gets caught in the crosshairs. There is nothing festive about waking up in the morning having committed career suicide with an unpleasant hangover and a P45 in the post, so here are a few tips on how to get through the office Christmas party…in one piece.
1. Go easy on the bubbly. This is an office work function with your colleagues after all and not a night on the town with your mates. That means try to maintain some form of decorum. Loose lips sink ships. Telling your colleagues what you really think of your boss or vice versa is never a good idea even when sober. That bespectacled woman you’d never seen before with the fetching shoulder pads and worried look was probably the regional manager and she may not know your name but I bet she remembers your face. Let’s make sure it’s for all the right reasons folks.
2. Dressing for the occasion will conservatively impress. I know it’s a party but these are your colleagues after all so try and avoid anything too tight or revealing. That backless cocktail party dress looks fantastic on you Dave but I think it might be a tad inappropriate for this particular business event so best to stick with something a little more chic on this occasion. Perhaps a tuxedo or a simple black dress with an interesting piece of jewellery will make the right statement.
3. Choose your secret Santa gifts wisely. I would say that the correct etiquette in this instance is to avoid buying anything that may be perceived as being rude, embarrassing or tasteless. It might be hilarious on first thoughts but the recipient, namely your colleague may not necessarily share your enthusiasm. Keep it appropriate is always the best advice.
4. Don’t talk shop all evening. Although this is a business function, try and avoid spending the entire evening boring your colleagues to death with antisocial work-talk. Keep the atmosphere inclusive and relaxed. These functions are about bonding and getting to know the person behind the job title.
5. Is trying to pull in that inebriated state such a good idea? A lot of couples do meet at work and the festive season might be the ideal time to look for love what with spirits being high and inhibitions being low. But using the Christmas party to make a move on a colleague that you’ve secretly had the hot’s for is probably not a good idea. Especially if fuelled by alcohol.
6. Know when it’s time to leave. Getting to the event early is always a good idea but there is no need to spend all night at the event. When the room starts spinning, I think it’s time to call a taxi.
7. Have fun folks. You work with these lovely people day in, day out all year long so do make sure you enjoy yourselves. No doubt there will be a few embarrassing stories to recall in the morning but hey, at least you were one of the lucky ones who got through the office Christmas party in one piece.
Join us next week when Carly will be updating you on the action packed temp desk.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
09.12.2011 12:07
