With major holidays behind us, it’s likely you’ll get an invitation to another company party sometime soon. Avoid brand errors as you mingle.
No surprise, many people hate going to parties. They avoid making it a priority. This is true even though they’re meant to be about having fun and celebrating.
One blunder may turn you into the talk of the workplace for weeks or even months.
In these diverse post-pandemic times, remember to respond kindly to diversity. You may receive an invitation to a Kwanza party or the Hindu Festival of Lights. Some people even send out Festivus invitations.
Be proactive. Be ready to deal with all these cultural and religious situations. They are not going to go away. Sticking your head in the sand will only give you gritty eyeballs.
Attending a workplace party follows a set of rules.
In the event that you do decide to attend the workplace party — and you should, as it’s a fantastic chance to network and get to know your coworkers better — remember to follow these general guidelines.
Make sure to arrive on time. Avoid later than “fashionably late.”
Getting to work late, especially over the holidays, is considered impolite.
There is often a program of activities scheduled to begin at the hour specified on the invitation. If you arrive at work an hour or two late, you will almost surely be spotted by your coworkers and superiors. This is not an excellent first impression to create on them.
Make an informed decision about your date. You’ll have to keep in mind the political and cultural views of your hosts.
There’s a time and place for everything. But an office party is definitely not the time or the place to start making radical and challenging statements. Take a stand somewhere else. People gather at parties to relax and enjoy themselves. Not to get into heated debates or have a crisis of conscience. They hope to avoid controversy.
Are you free to invite a guest? Choose someone who will act responsibly. You want to get along with the other participants as much as possible.
Dress in a professional manner.
When in doubt, wear an ugly holiday sweater, something knitted by your Aunt Minnie. People will be too embarrassed or amazed to object.
If the invitation specifies a theme or dress requirement, follow those instructions.
Just remember that dressing as King Herod is always in poor taste. There’s been a spate of Covid virus pins and brooches lately. This is a trend that needs extirpation. If you must wear something klunky, try a pine cone or a blinking Rudolph.
Wearing anything overly casual, low-cut, or risqué is not recommended. Sometimes if you’re not bending over backward, you’ll be behind the eight ball.
Communicate with a diverse range of individuals.
A holiday party gives you the opportunity to mingle with folks you wouldn’t ordinarily see throughout a regular day – and it’s a great way to get to know people outside of the “work environment,” as the saying goes. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Discuss the situation with coworkers, your employer, their visitors, and so on. Keep the conversation light and avoid bringing up personal issues like coworkers’ personal lives or getting into serious themes such as religion or politics. It won’t help your career to get bent out of shape.
Before you depart, make sure to express your appreciation to the person who organized the event.
Keep the alcoholic beverages to a bare minimum.
Despite the fact that gatherings are meant to be more informal and enjoyable, avoid going beyond by drinking too much.
You will most likely prevent yourself from saying something you did not want to. Too much alcohol also has the potential to harm your prospects of advancement in your job. If possible, limit yourself to nonalcoholic beverages or one or two cocktails during the whole evening.
Know when it’s time to depart. Avoid over-staying your welcome.
Keep in mind that although it’s nice to spend quality time with coworkers at the party, you shouldn’t overstay your welcome. Pay close attention to the period that has been specified on the invitation. Don’t be the last person left standing when they’re attempting to dismantle the event! It makes it awkward for the event organizers to have to tell you to go at the last minute.
