The end year office party season is here. We will digress from our usual interviews series and talk about the end year office party. As we speak most companies are planning to treat their staff to an end of year party this week or next week. Office parties are a chance for you to have fun and to network with colleagues. That is why we have compiled a list of 8 etiquette tips for your to observe at the end year office party.
- Ask about the dress code
Choose what to wear to the party carefully. Find out what everyone is wearing to the party and match it to your outfit. You don’t want people talking about what you wore weeks or months after the party. I’m sure you don’t want to be the subject of office gossip in the new year.
As for the ladies, you don’t want to dress seductively; it’s still a business event. Revealing clothing is not appropriate around your superiors. Think beyond the event to the image you would like your co-workers to retain of you in the next year.
- Be punctual
This is an office party. Arriving late is not an option and could have you missing out on all the fun. Arriving in time gives you the opportunity to say hello to everyone. It also passes a positive message about you.
Make sure you attend the party as failing to make an appearance at an event you have been invited to is considered to be rude. However, if due to some reason you are unable to attend the party, inform the planning committee in advance.
- Mingle and network
The end of year party gives you an opportunity to mingle with your leaders, peers and line managers on ‘level ground’. While the end of year party may feel informal, it is not the time to speak informally to management about . If you have been trying to have a meeting or call with the CEO for months with no luck, this is an opportunity for you to talk to her/him for a few minutes.
| Colleagues toasting at end of year party. Office parties are a great way for you to connect and have fun with you colleagues (Photo: internet sources) |
The end of year party is an excellent opportunity to cement relationships and to get known in a good way. Talk to your co-workers and bosses about work issues in a positive and complimentary light. Focus on achievements for the year and fun things you remember.
Be sure to acknowledge all your co-workers, and especially your superiors and their associates. Even if there’s someone you really don’t like, like Jane from accounting, it’s best to have a quick chat with them.
- Build rapport
Strive to build a positive rapport with your workmates. The end of year party presents you with an opportunity to get to know your co-workers in a more relaxed environment, which in turn can help you build effective working relationships when you return to work.
You may find out that Jane from accounting (whom you don’t like) is not that difficult to deal with after all!
An office party is a great way to relax. However, moderation is important. Remember this is a professional event and getting wild and crazy may not be in your best interest.
- Stay sober
This is the most important of all in this list.
Yes, the drinks may be on the company but by all means remain sober. Alcohol lowers your inhibition and it blocks out that inner voice that helps you decide not to do silly things. The end of year office party is not the place to try what you have never done before – from drinks to food. Stick to your usual beer and ‘nyama choma’ if you have to. Well, maybe there will be no ‘nyama choma’ but the point is, do not try out drinks/ food that you have never tasted before. Trust me this will save you from many embarrassing moments.
It is easier to make nasty comments about your colleagues or even your boss/supervisor that you may not have said while drunk. So, always drink in moderation and always make sure you have eaten before taking any alcohol.
Note: Do not drink and drive.
- Be careful about declaring your romantic intentions.
Before you declare your undying love for Suzie from Marketing, remember, you will have to see this person at work on Monday. Take a reality check by asking yourself: Do I really fancy them? How much have I had to drink? Will I regret this in the morning? If you fail the reality check, for which you probably will, then under no circumstances should you make your move.
And when it comes to dancing, please keep it formal. Do not touch people in ways that can be misinterpreted, or say things that are considered demeaning or sexually provocative. Use your common sense.
- Have fun
| Don’t be such a bore at your office party. Have fun! Or at least look like you are having fun (Photo:huffingtonpost.com) |
What’s the point of going to a party and end up getting bored /being the bore? Get involved in the party. People like sociable people and networkers. The end year office party is a chance for you to relax and simply enjoy the company of those you work with.
Have fun but remember to be in control. Do not embarrass yourself or anyone else. As stated above, keep in mind that this is a professional event and getting wild and crazy may not be in your best interest, especially in this era of smart phones. You do not want a photo/video of a ‘drunk you’ dancing to ‘Ali Kiba’s Chekecha Cheketua’ on top of a table while hurling insults at your boss/supervisor going viral on the internet! Your reputation/ career will never recover from this. Plus you might lose your job. Imagine the embarrassment you would feel if you walked into an interview and the interviewer says, “You look familiar…I remember you from somewhere….uh huh…aren’t you the drunk guy from XYZ Ltd’s office party?” Okay, I’m joking.
Have a responsible holiday party season and take care of yourselves.
Happy holidays from all of us at Executive Edge Consulting!