Career & Living, Life

What Not To Do At The Work Chrissy Party

The office christmas party, a ritualistic drink fest where the pour is on someone else’s tab – wonderful. You don’t have to be festive in the slightest to appreciate a little office party decadence. No matter the size of your office cohort, it tends to descend into debauchery, at least if you’re doing it right. This is by no means a fun police sponsored article, but more a look at what not to do if you want to stay happily employed. Or employed at all for that matter.

Don’t ask for a promotion

Bothering your boss incessantly any day isn’t a wonderful idea. They’re likely time-poor day to day, but don’t mistake the office party for your open door. That veneered game face is just a facade, he or she is on there way to being just as drunk as you. Bringing up a promotion, pay rise or business issues of the like is a tone deaf move. It can go a few ways and they’re all bad. Instead focus on mingling and make sure to have a chat with your boss, just keep it lighter than salary chat.

Don’t under dress

Whether your everyday cubical dress code is strictly corporate or smart casual, the Christmas party is a whole different ball game. If it’s black tie and you decide to take that as a suggestion rather than fact, you’ll be the odd duckling ruffling feathers on the night. Don’t be super loud with your outfit, but you can obviously tow the line a little differently than in your 9-5. Think suave.

Don’t be the guy taking 300 photos for Facebook

Before Instagram the person wandering about snapping every mishap and drunk yawn was a hero. No more. It’s important to realise just how annoying this is. After potentially hours of prep getting ready, being preened, your evening is reduced to how dishevelled you look once you’re five champagnes down. Instead if you’re desperate to capture the moment talk to the organisers before the event and see if you can squeeze a photog into the budget. Or just restrain yourself to one post per social media channel for the evening.

Don’t start an office romance

We get it, there’s been tension for months, ever since you reached for the same muffin at the morning meeting. That was weeks ago now and you’re still enchanted. Finding any excuse for after work drinks or post work bevs, just hoping to catchup with your weekday love. The office party is a great place to crack on, we’re not saying avoid the opportunity, just approach it with care. If you’re the same department just how mortifyingly awkward will it be day to day? A fling is fine but an office romance is hard work. Make sure you’re on the same page before a shot at the bar tunes into my place or yours.

Steer clear of nudity

It can get raucous, as ties loosen, hair comes down and the wigs well and truly come off. If you need to do something silly, by all means have a good  great time. But nudity is one line you shouldn’t cross under any circumstance, unless it’s after party related. Think of too many photos guy, he just might capture you in bare naked glory. Does not make for good water cooler chat.

Don’t be antisocial

If you’re not a natural networker or you feel a little lost in the office hustle, this is your opportunity. Don’t stand idly by and let the party happen without you, instead with a little liquid courage make your presence felt. That’s not dancing on tables or stealing the mic, just talk to new people and engage with new faces. If you use your role in the office as a launchpad and dive into external conversation, you may even be able to cultivate long term friendships.

Don’t whine about your job

Time. place. And this is neither. You’re coworkers are no less prone to work unhappiness and there’s plenty for us all to quibble about, but in a room full of your superiors you just can’t risk a wandering ear. Is your solid joke about your boss’ email sign off really worth your weekly wage? Didn’t think so.

Image source: The Office.

Previous ArticleNext Article
Queensland local with some serious foodie tendencies. In summer you'll find me at the beach but with a picnic setup too.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

twelve + 8 =

Send this to friend