Follow the party dress code, maintain good manners, and avoid excessive drinking. Engage in light-hearted conversations other than office and work-related topics to really connect with your colleagues. Practice proper table manners and thank the hosts & organizers.
Table of Contents
1. Follow the Dress Code
The first thing to do is choose attire that observes the indicated dress code, considering the nature of the occasion. You must wear something appropriate for your company’s Christmas party or any other work event.
Striking a good balance between style and professionalism will help you make a good impression and avoid embarrassing situations. Beyond the attire itself, you must maintain a polished appearance. So, don’t forget about good hygiene and grooming.
2. No Excessive Drinking
I get it — office parties are a great time to unwind. Drinks may overflow, and you might be tempted to consume too much alcohol. However, excessive drinking can lead to you displaying inappropriate behavior.
It poses risks to your judgment and actions. And this could jeopardize your status and your relationship with your co-workers and even superiors or subordinates.
The key is to keep good track of how much you’re drinking. Pace yourself by alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones like club soda. Alternatively, you can politely decline alcoholic beverages altogether. This is especially advisable if you’ll be driving after the party.
3. Bring your Good Manners to the Fore
Maintaining a polite demeanor at office gatherings and elsewhere is essential. Treat every attendee with respect — whether they’re part of the higher-ups or someone in a lower position than you.
Maintain a professional image by avoiding offensive language, inappropriate jokes, and any other unpleasant behavior, especially when in this age where negative words can easily spread on social media. You don’t want to be the talk of the office the next day.
Pro tip: You can demonstrate your good manners even before the party starts by sending your RSVP promptly.
4. Avoid Office Talk
A holiday office party is a wonderful chance to connect with your colleagues outside the setting of the traditional workspace. So, put a brake on discussing office-related topics. You can also help create a positive atmosphere by avoiding all those workplace gossip and negativities.
You want to focus on light-hearted topics that will allow anyone you’re conversing with to have a great time. You can engage with others by talking about shared passions, new hobbies, or your recent travel experiences.
5. Enjoy Yourself — But Don’t Let Loose Completely
Consult any holiday party etiquette guide, and you’ll find that professionalism remains at the center of it all. Though enjoying yourself and letting loose is important, you must maintain a certain air of respectability.
Letting your guard down can cause pitfalls ranging from sharing too much personal information to overindulging in drinks and foods.
Worse, you could be participating in inappropriate situations that could tarnish your reputation. Always remember: An office party is still a professional environment.
6. Help Make the Party an Inclusive Space
Companies hold office gatherings to cultivate a sense of inclusivity. One of the main goals of these events is to make everyone feel welcome.
When attending a work function, do your part by contacting fellow attendees who might feel left out. You should also seize this opportunity to go outside your professional circle and office buddies and get to know other employees you don’t know well yet. Doing so will expand your network while enjoying improved collaboration in the workplace.
Ensure to consider any cultural differences. It’s best to ask open-ended questions as well to spark conversations.
7. Don’t Be a Wallflower
Socializing and networking aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially among introverts. However, think of office gatherings as an avenue to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a professional and individual.
Let go of your inhibitions and participate in activities. Engage in conversations and display a genuine interest in your interactions with others. You’ll never know: A simple dialogue with someone can lead to one of the most meaningful relationships you’ll ever have in your professional career.
As a practical aid, it helps to team up with a more outgoing colleague. Before you head out to the party, you can also think of interesting and appropriate topics to serve as conversation starters.
8. Don’t Go Overboard with Self-Promotion
It’s easy to get lost in conversations with colleagues and higher-ups. In one moment, you could be giving pieces of career advice. In the next, you could be talking about your career achievements. While promoting yourself is a vital part of networking, you shouldn’t go overboard.
It’s basic business etiquette to remain humble and focus on building authentic connections. You can do this by practicing active listening. Ask open-ended questions and restrain yourself from always relating whatever they’re saying to something about you.
And just in case you want to share your accomplishments, do so without being braggy. To avoid this, frame your successes in the context of collaboration. Always give credit to the people who have helped you along the way.
9. Be Mindful of How You Dine or Snack
Any etiquette expert wouldn’t miss mentioning proper table manners when advising how to ace an office event. Whether you’re dining or simply snacking, observe the right etiquette because it helps convey professionalism.
Apart from using napkins and utensils appropriately and waiting for everyone to have their own food before you start eating, you must be careful not to make any messy or noisy eating habits. Keep the sounds your mouth produces to a minimum, so you can avoid spoiling the pleasant ambiance of the event.
10. Be Gracious
A company holiday party wouldn’t be successful without the hosts, your colleagues, and the organizers behind it. This is why it’s important to extend your gratitude to the people who dedicated their time and energy to putting it up and participating.
If you’re conversing with an organizer, bring up the genuine things you like about the event. Additionally, you can encourage your fellow attendees to share positive feedback for the gathering. Doing so will help the organizers create a better overall experience at your next office parties.
11. Prioritize your Safety
Office parties have a gleeful atmosphere but don’t forget to make safety your priority. For instance, avoid risky behaviors that could cause accidents or injuries. Apart from looking after your safety, look out for your fellow attendees’ well-being. If you see someone in an unsafe situation, act upon it and intervene or call security personnel.
As stated earlier, be mindful of your alcohol consumption and know your limits. Have a designated driver or arrange alternative transportation so you can go home safely.
12. Workmates Just Wanna Have Fun
While work events are part of your professional world, it’s all about having fun at the end of the day. These occasions are meant to be enjoyed. So, relax, socialize, and have a great time.
By attending events like this once in a while, you’ll be able to enjoy a great work-life balance while creating awesome memories with your colleagues.
Embrace the theme and participate in activities — whether dancing or singing at karaoke. Not every day do you get to go outside the confines of your usual work environment.
What not to do at a staff party?
| Don’t bring uninvited guests. If the invitation says so, only bring a plus one (for instance, a significant other). |
| Don’t drink too much. |
| Don’t bring work gossip to the party. |
| Stay off your phone and choose to be present. |
| Avoid being dominant in your conversations. Practice active listening. |
| Never display rude and risky behaviors. |
| Don’t leave early or too late. |
What is the best way to leave an office party?
Leaving a work party can be tricky. The key thing to do is observe the flow and mood of the party. Usually, you can go once most of the guests have begun leaving and when the major activities have already ended.
Just abruptly leaving can come off as inconsiderate. Take the time to say goodbye to your remaining co-workers. Gracefully approach the host, supervisor, or organizer, and express your gratitude for the event. The next day, you send a follow-up thank-you note.
Is it rude to not go to office party?
Work parties are ingrained in any office culture. So your attendance at an office holiday party is highly appreciated.
You may politely decline and make the necessary communications if you have valid reasons. However, attending such events is recommended considering their impact on your professional world. Whether you’ll attend or not, maintain a positive outlook as you interact with your colleagues before and after the gathering.