In this article for Yahoo Finance, Michelle, a global keynote speaker, provides an essential end-of-year party warning on maintaining workplace boundaries and navigating workplace party etiquette. She also shares tips on effective employee networking to help you enjoy the event without becoming “that person.”
End-of-year work party season is here. Whether you love these events or loathe them, there are a few golden rules to follow to ensure you don’t leave your reputation behind at the party.
They are a fabulous opportunity to connect with colleagues, say farewell to 2024, and celebrate achievements. It’s also an excellent time to stay focused on your reputation.
We’ve all heard or witnessed stories of colleagues who have gone too far at the office party and then lived to regret their unwise behaviour.
You don’t want that to be you.
It’s still work
Even though the calendar invitation might include the word ‘party,’ remember that it is work. This rule applies regardless of the function’s location or the time of day it is held.
Your organisation’s code of conduct and workplace laws apply, and if you overstep the mark, there will be consequences for your reputation and potentially your job.
Know your limits
Too loud. Too boisterous. Too much drinking. The list could go on.
While it’s a celebration, know your limits so you don’t wake up fearing the answer to the question, ‘What did I do last night?‘.
Find the sweet spot
You can have fun and be professional at the same time. There are a few simple rules of etiquette. Turn up on time. Dress appropriately. Thank the organisers for their efforts. Ignore any peer pressure, and avoid being sucked into things that make you (or someone else) feel uncomfortable.
Mingle broadly
It’s natural to want to hang out with your friends at the event.
However, when you do this, you miss the opportunity to meet new people and extend your network.
The event is a great chance to bond and get to know people in a more relaxed environment.
If newcomers to the organisation find it difficult to meet people, take the time to make them feel welcome and introduce them to your colleagues.
For people who joined during the year, this might be the first time they’ve met people face to face, and it can be daunting to walk into an unknown crowd.
Be interesting
There’s nothing worse than being stuck with someone at the Christmas party who is peppering you with questions and drilling you on your work when all you want to do is not think about work. Don’t be that person.
Be interesting and interested in what people have to say. For example, ask them about upcoming holidays and outside interests. The event is your chance to show a different side to you.
Don’t gossip or overshare
You want to keep the conversation casual and fun. Avoid conversations that could offend, and be careful about moaning about your job, boss or team-mates. You may not remember whom you have spoken with, but the person you have shared your ill-advised comment with will likely remember everything you have said.
Your off-hand remarks may come back to haunt you.
Ditch the technology
Many of us are addicted to our phones. If you spend much time at the event on your phone, you miss interacting with your colleagues. Your behaviour can also come across as rude because your colleagues may interpret it as a disinterest in them and the team. Be respectful about taking photos and what you share on social media.
Not everyone wants their picture plastered on social media, particularly if it’s unflattering, so ask before you post.
Look after your colleagues
You want everyone to have fun and get home safely. So, if you see a colleague who has perhaps overdone it, don’t judge. Instead, find an appropriate way to help.
It might be ensuring they get safely into a taxi or rideshare or find a trusted friend to take them home.
Know when to leave
You never want to be the first to leave or the last to go, so plan your exit wisely and avoid the sneaky exit. You want to say goodbye to your boss or host. Lastly, before the event, work out how you will get home – quickly and safely.
There’s nothing worse than a long queue for a taxi or rideshare at the end of the night.
For tips on managing the year-end rush and staying balanced during this busy season, check out Is the End of Year Rush Getting to You?.
Michelle Gibbings is a workplace expert and the award winning author of three books. Her latest book is ‘Bad Boss: What to do if you work for one, manage one or are one’.