End of year company parties can be a time to let loose and socialize with coworkers and peers. But be warned...many holiday parties can get out of hand resulting in an embarrassing Monday morning or worse, the loss of your job.
It's true that company parties are arranged to allow employees to mingle and interact on a more relaxed, social level. However, the party is still a company sanctioned event and therefore model employee behavior is expected. Company policies concerning sexual harassment, bullying, violence, etc. still apply. Just because the decorations may include mistletoe, doesn't mean that an unwanted smooch is acceptable. A sarcastic jab or a flirty remark might have been intended as a harmless joke but may not have been received as such. It's important for employees and employers to recognize that an office party may not necessarily follow the same pattern as a party held with friends or family. The way that people interpret comments can vary widely and therefore diplomacy should be exercised especially when talking with coworkers you don't know very well.
Gatherings such as these allow coworkers to see a different side of one another. Employees may find out more details about each other's personal lives. Not everyone will agree with the opinions and beliefs of everyone else. Tolerance is the name of the game. Avoid discussions around hot topics such as religion and politics. If you find a conversation is getting too heated, try changing the subject or simply bow out and continue to mingle with the other guests. Another topic to avoid in conversation is work.
While it might be tempting to pitch your new ideas to the board when you have easier access to them, remember that it is a party. They are there to relax and unwind like everyone else. Feel free to introduce yourself, but keep the business topics on the backburner until Monday. Griping about your manager to fellow coworkers in an environment where word travels quickly is also not a great idea.
Proper attire is important. Employees may take
the party as an opportunity to express their
individuality and their own personal sense of style.
But keep in mind that the party is still a work
function and your dress, while it can be more
relaxed or flamboyant than what is worn to work, must still be appropriate to the event.
Finally a reminder about alcohol. Given the
number of times drinking and driving is mentioned in articles, conversations, and public service announcements, one would think that impaired driving would be a thing of the past.
Unfortunately there are still people who just don't understand that drinking and driving never mix well. If you drink, make sure you have a safe way home - a designated driver, a taxi, access to public transit, a place to stay the night, etc. A bit of planning can save a life.
If you are responsible for planning the company
party, make sure that there are alternatives to
alcoholic beverages. The company owes a duty of care to its guests even for off-site functions.
If alcohol is served, this means limiting consumption. Hiring a professional bartender can help you monitor alcohol consumption and cut off those who have over indulged. You may also consider closing the bar early, issuing a limited number of drink tickets to each guest, or serving food to help slow the absorption of alcohol into the system.
Essentially it's all about common sense and
responsibility. Once you have that, you can relax and enjoy the party!
