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• Dec 11, 2007 7:53 pm US/Central
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  21 Things About Office Holiday Party Etiquette

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21 Things About Office Holiday Party Etiquette

Remember that office holiday parties are still considered being at work; it's part of your job. Remember, you are always being watched!

Dressing:

1. Ask the host or party coordinator whether the party is casual or formal.
2. If the event is after work, office attire is appropriate.
3. For evening and weekend events, wear conservative party clothes.
4. Do not wear flashy, extremely short or overly revealing clothes.
5. Be festive, yet professional.

Eating and Drinking:

6. This probably goes without saying, but drink in moderation. Drinking too much can lower your inhibitions.
7. If you are bringing a guest/spouse, they must drink in moderation as well.
8. Hold your drink in your left hand so your right hand is available for shaking.
9. You are not there for the food, but to celebrate the season.  Eat in moderation.
10. If you feel you may overindulge in alcoholic beverages, designate a driver.

 

Networking:

11. Unless you have a really good reason, you must go to the party.
12. Spend at least 45 minutes at the party and don't arrive as the party is ending.
13. Don't leave after the specified time or be the last one to leave.
14. Before bringing a spouse, make sure he's invited.
15. Find out who's going to be there.
16. If the owner, president or CEO and other key people don't know you, be sure to introduce yourself.
17. Act professionally; for example, it's not recommended to pull anyone under the mistletoe. This is not a time to bring out your wild side.
18. Keep conversations light.  No complaining, bashing or heavy business conversations.
19. Don't hang with the usual people. Talk to as many people as possible. Spend about ten minutes talking to each person.
20. Don't bring gifts unless it's specified in the invitation.
21. Not everyone celebrates the same holiday; be sensitive to that.

 

General:

Be sure to enjoy yourself, but don't have too much fun. What you do or say at the holiday party can live on long after the party is over. Be sure to thank the host, the boss and/or party coordinator.

Source: Personas Image Dynamics

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