If you’re invited to an office party, or get-together — be it the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or whenever — you should be on your best behavior to avoid any embarrassing mistakes that could end up haunting you.
Your first thought might be, that you don’t want to spend any more time with the same people you see 9-5, 365 days of the year. But you might be surprised, you could have fun, just don’t have too much fun.
To help you get through such get-togethers without being terminated, here are some quick dos and don’ts if you’re headed to an office/holiday party:
Don’t hog (or hug) your superior/boss. Maybe you are hoping for a promotion or a raise, but a party is not the time to corner your boss. He/she will be mingling with everyone and probably won’t want to talk about work.
Do mix and mingle. Even though you long to be elsewhere, be sure to at least make and effort to look as if you are enjoying yourself.
Do refrain from gossiping. Remember alcohol and gossip never mesh. If you tend to be a chatterbox when you have a drink, cocktail or spirit, be sure to keep your opinions to yourself.
Don’t leave early. You might want to depart fast, but if you leave too early you appear not to be a team player. Don’t leave as soon as you get there; stay for at least 1 hour.
Do dance, but nothing weird. The object is to have fun, get up and ht the dance floor, but no twerking or dirty dancing.
Don’t call in ill the next day. Even though your head might be splitting and the last thing you want to do is work, force yourself into the office and at least make an appearance.
Do stay far from Social Media. While it may seem OK to take a few Selfies and/or group shots at the party, no employee or colleague will be fond of seeing themselves acting far from their regular self across Social Media.
Do dress correctly. Females, an office party is not the place to wear what you’d wear on a date. Follow the dress code. Men do the same.
In the end, go, have fun, and enjoy yourself. Just make sure you follow the rules and you’ll be OK.
