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Man Hold Up! The Holiday office parties are heating up-here’s some tips to survive…
*Don’t pass up the invitation to an office party; not attending could hurt your reputation. And when you attend, do spend at least 30 minutes at the party for appearances.
- Do conduct yourself professionally at all times. Don’t use the office party as an excuse to blow off steam. It’s still a company function, so proper etiquette and decorum matter.
- Don’t bring gag gifts for the boss, or any other crazy stuff you might do at a personal holiday party.
- Do enjoy yourself at the party. Employers spend the big bucks to reward their employees, so be sure to enjoy the only holiday gift you may be getting from the company.
- Don’t pull the nightclub attire from your closet for the event — and do ask whether the attire for the party is formal or casual. The party is still a business function.
- Do keep your hands to yourself. Don’t flirt, and do avoid any other inappropriate behavior.
- Don’t spend all evening talking business. You’ll forever have the label as the office bore.
- Do keep all conversations positive and upbeat. Don’t spend the evening complaining, bragging, correcting, whining, or ridiculing.
- Do keep one hand free during the night so that you can offer handshakes to people as they come by. And do keep your drink in your left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet handshake all evening.
- Don’t feel you need to drink excessively just because it’s an open bar. And don’t pig-out at the food buffet either. Moderation is key. You can always eat and drink more after the party.
- THIS ONE MAY MAKE MY MOTHER MAD – Don’t assume everyone celebrates the same holiday, so don’t go overboard with the “Merry Christmas.”
- Don’t forget to thank the person responsible for the planning and coordinating of the party.
- Do inquire about office policies on providing car or cab service for employees attending the holiday party. And do appoint a designated driver or do hire a cab yourself if the company is not willing to provide the rides home. Don’t drink and drive.
