It's the most wonderful time of the year and along with the cheer and celebration comes the yearly office Christmas party. The office Christmas party can be a time of fun and good cheer where you can get to know your office co-workers on a more personal level. Unfortunately, there's also the opportunity for you to let your guard down and say and do things you may regret. It's important to remember that what you do at the office Christmas party may come back to haunt you when you return to your job on Monday morning. Here's what to do and not do at your office Christmas party to avoid future embarrassment::
Watch How you Dress
Some people use the Christmas office party as an opportunity to wear fashions they normally wouldn't be allowed to wear to the office because they're too risqué. As tempting as it may be, this is not the time to pull out the ultra short mini skirt and bustier that's been resting in the back of your closet. Showing too much skin isn't appropriate office party dress and may present problems for you if you're looking for a future promotion.
There's also no need to get glitzy with sequins and rhinestones. Elegantly casual and professional will always win more points. A satin black suit with a pretty camisole top and glitzy, dangle earrings will look festive without appearing unprofessional. This is also a great time to pull your little black dress out of the closet and coordinate it with some eye catching jewelry. Office party dress doesn't have to be overbearing.
Watch How Much you Drink
One statistic shows that forty percent of IT workers have been sick at their office Christmas party. Alcohol related sickness and drunken behavior won't take you very far in the office setting. When you drink too much alcohol, you release your inhibitions and run the serious risk of saying something you're going to regret on Monday morning.
Be smart and limit your alcohol intake. This is good office party etiquette.
Avoid Inappropriate Conversational Topics
You've heard it before. Don't talk about sex, politics, or religion at a social gathering. If you want to display good office party etiquette, keep this advice in mind. You should also avoid bad jokes and anything that smacks of sex or racism. If you're talking with someone and the topic becomes controversial, it's best to excuse yourself with a smile and move on.
Don't Complain
Even if the food and entertainment isn't what you'd imagined it would be, avoid complaining. At least give the impression you're enjoying yourself despite the fact that the food is cold and unimaginative and the drinks are the worst you'd had. You don't want to appear to be an ungrateful, perpetual whiner at your office Christmas party.
Knowing how to act and what to wear to your office Christmas party can save you significant future embarrassment. Who wants to return to work after an evening of questionable behavior? A little attention to office party etiquette can go a long ways toward creating a favorable impression with your boss and co-workers. Show them you're a class act.
