Beware of the 'Silly' Season

Company Christmas parties are an established tradition which helps employees celebrate a successful year at work and acquaints them with colleagues they don’t usually get to meet - while affording everyone with a free night of fun which is generally appreciated.

However company Christmas parties can also be a time when usually responsible employees allow alcohol to influence their inhibitions resulting in embarrassing behaviour that often damages their reputation in the company or can even end their careers.

At the same time an employee’s inability, or refusal, to socialise could mean losing the opportunity to build relationships that could later yield fruitful results for career enhancement.

Make the most of your company Christmas Party!

• Don't overindulge: Christmas parties are a great way to consume as much free food and alcohol as is possible in a few hours, but don't overdo it. Don’t go rushing to the food queue without inviting whoever you're talking with, especially if they’re your superior. With alcoholic drinks, know your limits and take it easy and try to stay relatively sober so you don't get drunk and let loose atrocious behavior or talk.

• Dress appropriately: Dress according to the instructions on the invitation, if there are none lean towards conservative, making sure not to wear anything skin-tight, revealing or strange.

• Don’t make sexual passes at anyone: So you’ve had a crush on a fellow co-worker. Don’t use the Christmas Party to reveal all as it won’t be an impressive way to express your feelings. Worse than that, any advances you make have the potential to be seen as sexual harassment and could lose you your job. Be careful to ensure that dancing and festive hugging remains appropriate. 

• Watch what you say: These are interesting times on the political front, but be careful not to get into a heated debate or argument over clashing viewpoints. Exercise care as well about passing along gossip or malicious news. Another party taboo is dishing out dirty and tasteless jokes to people you barely know.

• Mingle: Make an effort to meet people you normally don’t socialise or work with. Christmas parties can be a great career-enhancing networking opportunity especially if you work for a large company or if clients and contractors are invited. Don’t be afraid to mingle through polite conversation and make sure you have a few business cards handy.

• Avoid talking business with your colleagues and superiors: It’s also a great idea to chat with your boss and senior managers, but avoid talking about work. The last thing your boss wants to do is give you an appraisal or discuss company policy, internal positions or pay. Remember there is never a right time to tell your boss what you really think of them, even if it is Christmas.

• Do not treat your superiors like old mates: Treat your superiors with the same respect given to them during the year. Don’t call them by nicknames, as more often than not they are not complimentary. Avoid saying hello with a big slap on the back and don’t delve into their personal lives or offer them your life story.

• Be thoughtful with gifts: If your company does a "Chris Cringle" gift exchange use some thought to choose a present that suits the person you picked from the hat. Spend at least the stipulated maximum on the gift and be thoughtful with the wrapping. Do not buy anything that could insult them or have you accused of harassment. 

• Don’t be a party killjoy: Stay out of dark corners and mingle with people even if you are the type who generally keeps to themselves. Don’t complain about the "lousy food" or "uninspired choice of party venue," especially if the people who organised the event are standing near you. 

Remember, even though the surroundings may be different and people are in party mode, you’re still essentially at work.

Source: http://www.aushomepage.com.au/Article/731/

Author: David Bonnici