How to survive your office Christmas party
With the Christmas party season now upon us, it provides a great opportunity to socialise with co-workers and bosses and have some much needed and well-earned fun! However, making a fool of yourself at the work’s Christmas party is something to be avoided at all costs. You don’t want any awkward silences or judgemental looks in the office the next day!
Here are our top tips on how to enjoy your Christmas party and stay out of trouble!
Dress to impress
Find out what the dress code is – jeans, ballgown, fancy dress? You don’t want to overdress or underdress and stick out like a sore thumb. You need to feel comfortable or you won’t enjoy your night. Revealing clothing is not really appropriate if you want to make the right impression. Try a couple of outfits on for your friends and get their votes on the best one!
Arrive on time
Treat it like a day in the office – so turning up ‘fashionably late’ is not an option! Arriving on time, or a few minutes early, will give you the opportunity to say hello to everyone and to seek out who you want to talk to first!
Don’t hide in a corner all night
A Christmas party is a great opportunity to meet your superiors in a casual environment and to mingle with new people. Try to talk to a variety of people rather than just a couple of your closer friends. It’s your perfect chance to cement relationships and broaden your network. Don’t be frightened to talk to your co-workers and management about things outside of work as long as you remain professional.
Don’t make a fool out of yourself
Don’t forget where you are and treat the party as an extension to your working day. You never know who might be watching you, or even judging you, and you don’t want to be the office gossip! Drink sensibly and have a glass of water on hand if you feel that the bubbles are going to your head. If you want to relax and let your hair down, you can always head off somewhere else after the party with a few trusted colleagues!
Stay safe
Try and arrange transport home in advance of the party so that you can be guaranteed you will get home safely. You could share a taxi with a colleague or pre-book one with a trusted taxi service (there are some services that only deal with female passengers).
Have fun!
It is still possible to have fun at the office Christmas party whilst keeping your dignity and remaining professional. Try to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself – you deserve it. Get to know your colleagues and talk about something other than work for a change!