From dress code to setting boundaries; Dos and don’ts of staff end year parties

The office Christmas party is a date that's on every workplace calendar comes with food, beverages and dancing - it's understandable why you may get a little carried away.

Although it is the season to make merry, it is important for one not to jeopardise your reputation and all of the hard work you have put in throughout the year because of social blunder that could have been avoided.

It is important for the employees to be aware of the company’s policy including the expected and unexpected behaviours.

Below are some tips to help you during the office end-of-year party.

Dress appropriately

The office Christmas party is not the time to experiment with your clothes, pay attention to your dress code unless there is a theme. As much as it is a work event your colleagues and especially bosses will be watching.

Do not dress in an outfit that will draw attention to yourself for the wrong reason, you do not want to be the talk of the day for dressing inappropriately.

Remember the rules of moderation

Avoid anything that will leave you wondering, “What did I do?” the next day. There is nothing socially wrong with enjoying yourself at the party.

But moderate yourself, be cautious of how much beverage you consume, and do not overindulge especially in front of your seniors.

Set boundaries

Office parties are good places to interact with our colleagues including those in different departments and branches.  Employers and senior bosses are usually present in these rare events ready to interact. It is important for one to behave professionally, focus on building a good relationship and getting to know your colleagues better.

Be careful of what to say. Emotion-packed discussions on politics, soccer, sports or religion should be replaced with light topics like weather, celebrities, music, money or technology. People need to feel free to change topics not to spoil an evening intended to be stress-free.

Avoid flirting

Holiday parties are meant to be social gatherings for employees to connect and enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of work.

In the process of making merry, one might get way too comfortable, be careful about flirting and sharing your romantic intentions with your workmates. You stand a chance of being inappropriate to a person you will still be sharing an office with

Speeches

Speeches, particularly the one from the chief executive, are eagerly awaited in case of policy pronouncements such as the salary increases in the following year. Employees who are not keen on spoken speeches may miss out words of wisdom or shared life lessons that can make a difference in the workplace. They can impulsively find themselves clapping or laughing without an inkling of what was said.

Always have an exit strategy

Always have an exit strategy, this means you know where you’re going afterwards and you know how you’re getting home after the party.