10 Tips to Survive your Holiday Office Party

10 Tips to Survive your Holiday Office Party

“Tis the Season for Holiday Parties!” As we all know, without fail, there is always that one co-worker that stands out from the crowd and behaves completely inappropriately at the annual Holiday Party.

We have all heard tips of “How Not to Behave” hundreds of times before, however, according to the statistics below, company staff still aren’t listening to sound advice to avoid future repercussions.

A recent survey of Office Holiday Party Goers conducted by TorontoJobs.ca found that 70% of Party Attendees have observed unsuitable behavior at their Office Holiday Party such as flirting, inappropriate dress and intoxication.

Given the stats, TorontoJobs.ca felt it was necessary to emphasize appropriate manners to ensure employees are on their best behaviour this holiday season.

Our Top 10 Tips Include:

1. Show Up: Don’t pass up the opportunity to attend the company Holiday party. Not attending could give the impression that co-workers and the organization have no bearing on your life past your 9-5 work day.




2. Put the Blackberry Away: There is nothing worse than having a conversation with someone and in mid-sentence they pull out their blackberry and start texting or tweeting. Respect your co-workers and leave the tweeting until you get home.




3. Dress Appropriately: Remember that this is a work party not a Saturday night outing with your personal network. Stay away from short skirts, muscle shirts and visible undergarments!




4. Don’t Flirt: This point, though pounded into employees brains, still seems to slip some people’s minds when the Holiday Party rolls around. Yes, Samantha’s booty may look rockin’ in that dress, but it’s probably best for your career to keep that thought and your hands to yourself.




5. Absolutely NO Gossiping: You never know who is listening to your conversations and how what you say could affect your future career. Keep in mind that with the evolution of social networking, news travels fast.



6. Don’t Talk Strictly Business: If you shoptalk all night, there will be one word going around the office to describe you: SNORE! Research current news and show your co-workers you have a life outside the office.



7. Drink in Moderation: 1-2 drinks maximum! Make a pact with a trusted colleague that you will monitor each other’s alcohol intake for the evening and keep in mind that excessive drinking could cause future complications in the workplace.



8. Don’t Overstay your Welcome: Ensure to check the invitation for event times before attending. If the party ends at 11:00pm, don’t try and keep the party going by broadcasting the songs you have downloaded to your IPHONE. Arrive shortly after the start time and leave when the majority of the other guests decide to pack it in.



9. Mingle: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about those you spend the majority of your time with. Maybe Tim in Accounting shares a common interest of playing tennis in his spare time or maybe Renee in Human Resources has children your age.



10. Eat Carefully: Nothing screams unprofessional like shrimp sauce on your shirt! We suggest bringing a change of clothes just in case!