Member Article

Dos and Don’ts of the office Christmas party

Everyone loves an office party but there are a few tips you should follow to stop you doing anything foolish with your colleagues.

Online gaming site, Mobileslots.com, have put together five dos and don’ts to make sure yours goes without a hitch.

The office Christmas party is the chance to let your hair down, have fun with the colleagues you see every day and celebrate what a great year you’ve had.

But office parties are a hot bed for gossip so put one foot wrong and you’ll be hearing about it for years to come.

Some of the tips suggest not having too much eggnog, making sure you stick to the dress code and keeping your hands to yourself.

A spokesperson from Mobileslots.com said: “The office Christmas party is a great chance to celebrate the past year and get to know your colleagues in a more relaxed environment.

“However they are still your co-workers, so be cautious. There’s a fine line between being the office party bore or the embarrassingly drunk David Brent-style dancer.

“There’s nothing more cringe-worthy then having to help a stumbling co-worker into a taxi at the Christmas do then trying to have a professional conference call with them the following morning.”

Here are the site’s dos and don’ts to make sure your office Christmas party goes smoothly.

DO

1. Do stick to the dress code.

Whatever you do, don’t wear that dress you bought for your best friend’s hen night a few months back. A little lacy number is really not appropriate for the office party.

2. Do socialise and chat to lots of your colleagues.

This is your chance to really get to know them. Many of us know our work mates enough for a quick chat on the stairwell – so for once have a proper conversation and find out about them.

3. Do think about your conversation.

Chats about the latest economic crisis or your recent break-up are far too heavy for the office party. Instead keep the topics light and interesting to avoid stifled yawns and awkward silences.

4. Do keep your hands to yourself.

Not everyone wants to be ambushed under the mistletoe. Any misdemeanors will be hot gossip the next morning so watch out you’re not labeled the office lothario.

5. Do have some Christmas cheer.

It’s a party so don’t be the Grinch in the corner with the miserable face looking truly fed up. If you’ve had a bad day, forget it, have a drink and enjoy yourself – it’s Christmas after all.

DON’T

1. Don’t insult the boss’s other half.

Whatever you think of their partner, they really don’t want to hear it so keep your thoughts to yourself. Likewise don’t brown nose around the bosses all night. You’re there to have a good time, not to talk shop.

2. Don’t post or tweet embarrassing photos of you and your colleagues.

They may seem funny at the time, but the next day they’ll be far from it when you’re hurriedly de-tagging yourself.

3. Don’t get roaring drunk.

It’s about having a good time, not spending the next morning with your head in your hands wondering what you got up to. There’s nothing worse than the pointing and sniggering as you walk into the office the next day so lay off the eggnog.

4. Don’t leave too early.

It may be the dullest party you’ve ever been to and you may be desperate to meet your mates in a bar down the road, but do stick around. If you leave early, someone will pick up on it.

5. Don’t pull a sickie the next day.

All the staff will be well aware you have the hangover to end all hangovers, so man up and head into the office. Everyone else will be in the same boat.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Trevor Edwards .