Office parties can be fun and work at the same time! It gives you a chance to celebrate the occasion with your co-workers as well as doing some networking and Colleague Relation Exercise for yourself! You should have fun, but be careful about having too good a time. Or you might get into trouble with your image and relations with colleagues! There is a thin line between casual and formal, and you need to walk on it!
Dont Drink Too Much
Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and alters your judgement, apart from delaying your reflexes. It can make you do things you may regret later. Even if you think you can handle your alcohol quite well, one mixed drink or a glass of wine at the office party should be your limit. Remember, perception is everything. You dont want to look like youre drinking too much, even if alcohol has little effect on you!
Dont Treat the Office Party Like a Singles Bar
An office party gives you a chance to see another side of your co-workers. However, you shouldnt try to get to know any of them too well. Sidharth, from the accounts department, may suddenly start looking pretty appealing under bar lights than office cubicle lights. Control your emotions. Sudden springing of romances with colleagues can be disastrous. Your flirting may be entirely innocent, but the message it sends to your colleagues isnt innocent. If you want to be respected on a professional level, save this side of yourself for parties with friends!
Watch Your Clothes
If you wouldnt wear it to the office, you shouldnt wear it to the office party. Of course, your clothes can be more festive than those you wear to work (think sequins, colour, and sparkles), but they shouldnt be revealing.
No Dirty Jokes or Foul Language
This rule holds true in or out of the office. Dirty jokes may be offensive to others so avoid telling them. You may feel so comfortable at the office party that you forget youre really at work. Keep bad language in check as it could make you look unprofessional.
Dont Talk About People Behind Their Backs
Just because someone is absent from the office party it doesnt give you reason to talk about him behind his back. In addition to the fact that its just not nice, this persons friends may be present and word could get back to him.
Extras with Guests
Often office parties are for employees only. Dont assume it is okay to bring your significant other or someone else without asking first. If its okay to bring a guest, choose wisely. Invite someone who will behave appropriately. That means he or she will have to follow the same unsaid rules that you are expected to follow at the party.
Office parties are a time to enjoy work-life. So, enjoy carefully!
