10 Tips for Surviving Your Office’s Holiday Party

An office party is not an excuse to behave in an unprofessional manner. If the party is taking place at an off-site location during the evening or on a weekend, then you should dress appropriately. Select clothing that covers your body and that is not too revealing. Remember that there are often photographers at a company’s special events, and you do not want to have your picture taken while you are wearing garments that are inappropriate for a work environment.

Tip 2: Monitor Your Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages

If you drink alcohol at an office party, then you are more likely to say or do something stupid. It is better to avoid all alcoholic beverages at the event for a variety of reasons, including making it safer to return home after the event ends. When food is served at the event, you should request plain water or soft drinks so that you won’t become inebriated because it can lead to making foolish remarks.

Tip 3: Avoid Any Type of Gossip at the Holiday Event

While at the office party, you must talk to your coworkers and a boss, but you should behave with humility. Avoid any type of gossip that occurs when your coworkers are drinking alcoholic beverage because they might say stupid things that cause trouble. Walk around the room where the party is occurring, greeting other individuals in a polite way. If you are introduced to someone important in the company, then thank the person for arranging the fun Christmas party.

Tip 4: Understand How to Make Small Talk

If you are a shy person, then you may need to practice making small talk to other individuals at the party. You can talk about interesting things, such as a football game or a popular movie, but you should avoid discussing any controversial topics. By avoiding alcohol during the holiday party, you are more likely to think before you speak. Think carefully about telling any type of joke that may offend someone else at the party.

Tip 5: Use Caution While Eating or Drinking Anything

It is wise to use caution while eating or drinking anything at the event. This is especially important when you have food allergies because you won’t want to have a dangerous reaction while everyone is having fun. You should also look carefully at the beverages and foods that you consume to ensure that nothing has been tampered with, such as with illegal substances.

Tip 6: Avoid Discussing Religious Topics

While your company may have a party during the Christmas season, this isn’t necessarily a religious event. You should avoid talking about religious topics throughout the party because you could make someone feel uncomfortable while you are expressing your personal views. Remember that at a company party, there are guests who are involved in other religious groups.

Tip 7: Bringing Food to the Event

In some cases, your employer will have a party that includes foods that employees provide. If you plan to bring foods to the party, then make sure to select items that won’t spoil easily. Avoid bringing foods that often cause allergic reactions. While you can cook food to bring along to the event, it is often safer to buy a prepared item from a supermarket.

Tip 8: Prepare for a Change in Climate

When you are attending an office party, the room will get hot, so if you dress in layers, then you can remove a sweater or a jacket while still looking professional. You can carry the jacket or the sweater over your arm while you walk around the room talking to your coworkers.

Tip 9: Talking to a Manager

If you are in a situation where you must talk to a manager who you have never met before, then you may feel anxious. It is essential to behave with humility in this situation so that you won’t say something that will get you fired on Monday morning. Learn how to cope with the situation by discussing how enjoyable the party is for everyone and wishing the manager a happy holiday season.

Tip 10: Don’t Use an Office Party as a Dating Venue

An office party is not the place to look for a date, so you must continue to behave in a professional manner. If you are avoiding the liquor that is served at a party, then you probably won’t make a bad decision that you will regret when you return to work after the event.