I have to admit I’ve been to my share of office Christmas parties where I let my naughtier side out a wee bit. Especially in one or two of my earlier jobs. Nothing too awful. Just a bit of flirtation here and there. And perhaps a little too much to drink when among coworkers and bosses.
Still, I never got so out of control I had to hide my head in shame back at the office. Maybe a blush-faced smile the next day as someone reminded me of something I said to them. Or that I had spoken too long and laughed too much with a married coworker while his wife was standing right there,
Luckily I wised up about office parties of any kind. While it feels good to let loose a little and hang out with coworkers in a non-office setting, you are always viewed with “office eyes”. And that’s something you should never forget!
So just skip office Christmas parties?
With the chance of saying or doing something you will regret, is it best to just skip office parties altogether? Not really. I think it’s actually best to put in an appearance. Even for introverts who find these things especially hard.
While there’s no need to stay to the end, there are advantages to joining in the office social scene at least to some extent. You don’t have to be the life of the party (and probably should be careful about doing that), but you can do some good things for yourself by just showing up and joining in some socializing.
- So much of getting ahead is NOT about hard work.
- It’s good to build relationships with people you work with.
- Being seen at parties with pleasant interactions can help you be remembered when interesting projects come up.
- Often this can also help you feel more connected to the job and people.
- Even a brief appearance with smiles and quick conversational exchanges can go a long way. **
**NOTE: This is especially true for introverts who find social gatherings like office Christmas parties difficult, A quick hello here and there can be enough to “show up” as a member of the work team. Often introverts keep to themselves and their assignments at the office which can get them left out or even unappreciated. Attending social events can help with that.
Quick naughty list for office parties
Though not a complete list and subject to the norms of your job / industry, this should give you an idea of some things that can work against you. If in doubt, play it safe. Things you say and do will be remembered … even if you think you’re on safe ground!
- Drinking too much
- Wearing extra sexy clothing or being overly made up
- Flirting in an obvious way (innocent smiles and conversation are more than okay)
- Public displays of affection (unless it’s your date and even then keep it very PG)
- Eating like you haven’t eaten in weeks or having your mouth full of food while talking (small bites help)
- Getting loud and boisterous
- Dancing like an exotic dancer might dance
- Showing up noticeably high or getting high during the party (unless that’s “approved behavior” and even then less is more so you don’t accidentally lose control)
- Telling off your boss … or anyone else there
- Telling dirty jokes (unless “approved behavior” and still be aware anything too raunchy may be going too far)
- Doing anything for laughs that you may regret the next day
Just remember: What feels right in the moment at a party — especially when you’ve had a few drinks — might come back to haunt you. And what you may consider just having fun can color how people see you from that point on. Not fair but true!
⇒ EXTRA: Should I Go Out With My Boss If He Asks Me?
Some more posts to help
Do You Feel You’re Not Appreciated at Work?
5 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Hate Your Job
Do You Feel Invisible at Work?
Pros & Cons of Kissing Up To Your Boss
Why Being Good at Your Job Isn’t Always Enough
HR Says I’m Not a Team Player. What’s a Team Player?
My Boss Has a Favorite and It’s NOT Me
Are You Afraid To Talk To Your Boss?
What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted
Do Bosses Take Advantage of Women?
Coworkers Don’t Like Me. What Can I Do?
Job Morphing: 20 Ways You Can Improve Your Job & Career
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