Office Christmas party dos and don’ts

The office Christmas party is a potential minefield. While you want to enjoy yourself and get into in the Christmas spirit, you also need to make sure that you don’t embarrass yourself, damage company property or get so drunk that you don’t make it into work the next day. These are the office Christmas party dos and don’ts.

DO: SOCIALISE AND TRY TO BEFRIEND AS MANY CO-WORKERS AS YOU CAN

In many larger offices you only really know your team and you don’t get to mix with people from other divisions. This is your chance to get to know those you don’t know so well and to make useful contacts as well as friends.

DON’T: KISS OR HAVE SEX WITH A COLLEAGUE

According to surveys taken over the years, between 25 to 50% of us will kiss a co-worker at the office Christmas party. This is obviously a terrible idea and will result in your acute embarrassment for months to come. It’s also potentially bad for career – unless it’s your boss of course.

DO: EAT A LOT IF YOU GO OUT FOR DINNER

It’s a free dinner and so you shouldn’t feel guilty about tucking into the most expensive thing on the menu. Of course, eating plenty will also ensure that you won’t get too drunk, and save you from making a few embarrassing decisions.

DON’T: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE BOOZE AND GET HAMMERED

When you spy an open bar, or know that you won’t be picking up the tab, it’s easy to overindulge and knock back those glasses of mulled wine and Christmas cocktails. Don’t though, you’ll only regret drinking too much and be sick the next day.

DO: KEEP THINGS PROFESSIONAL

You work with these people and you also have a boss. It’s essential that you remember that you’re not with strangers at a bar or a club – you’re with people that you’ll be seeing in the near future… In approximately 10 hours time to be precise.

DON’T: TALK TO YOUR BOSS

If you talk to your boss when you’re a bit tipsy/drunk, you’re either going to be praising him or insulting him – neither are a particularly good idea. Chances are he’ll be older than you and want to get back to his family and Newsnight anyway, so don’t bother him too much.

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