The holiday season is upon us and as much as you might want to spend it feeling excited, the pressing worries of navigating office holiday party etiquette will not let you down that easily. A part of you might be considering excuses that you can successfully use to get out of attending these parties but you don’t need us to tell you that you will be expected to attend, one way or another. If you’re asking yourself how to survive a work Christmas party, we have some office holiday party tips that you can consider before your next work party event.
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Office Holiday Party Etiquette—You’re a Part of It Even When You Don’t Attend
Office parties can be a double-edged sword, depending on where you work and what your relationship is like with your coworkers. On the one hand, it can be a great opportunity to relax and take a break with your colleagues without having to spend too much on making it happen yourself. If you share a good rapport with your coworkers, then exploring how to survive a work Christmas party should be a no-brainer for you because it’ll only be another avenue to spend time with the people you care about.
On the other hand, attending office parties can be quite tiring for those who have to be on guard constantly or navigate through difficult conversations with difficult coworkers who do not maintain boundaries. The additional fear of making a mistake and compromising your whole career just does not fit the festive atmosphere nicely. These fears are almost always overly exaggerated and most people do have something to take away from an office party, whether that’s a new contact or a stomach full of snacks at the end of their day. Refusing the invite might be more complicated than just saying yes and going for a while so here are some office holiday party etiquettes to consider this holiday season.
Consider Joining the Planning Committee
This one isn’t necessarily an office party etiquette and there should be no pressure to sign up for additional responsibilities that you aren’t prepared for, but if you’re afraid of the office party because the socializing seems overwhelming, then it can be great to get to know some of your colleagues with the entire crowd of them milling about around you. It can also give you a greater sense of appreciation for the work that goes into an office party, soothing some of your reluctance to attend next time.
Having something to do during the party is also an easy way to be present without feeling convened so consider this office holiday party tip at the first hint of an upcoming office party.
RSVP on Time—Early Even
It is always good office holiday party etiquette to let the planners know if you are coming so that it can be included right at the initial planning stage. A lot of work goes into mobilizing resources and sorting through budgets and if there is an RSVP date mentioned on the invite then ignoring it or replying last minute can come across as dismissive of their efforts.
Sending in your confirmation can also give you some clarity that you are definitely attending, instead of battling with the decision until the last second. Once you make a decision, focus on how you can make the process easier for you.
Budget Ahead
If the party involves gift exchanges, potlucks, or any other investment from you, make sure to plan in advance so you can bring something appropriate to the party. You want to ensure that the things you bring to the party do not cause offense so it’s better to plan ahead. If you’re confused, ask about any rules and guidelines for Secret Santa gift exchanges and what the budget is. Something as simple as asking others about their interests so you can find a gift they’d actually like is quite a considerate thing to do.
Being aware of any allergies that your coworkers have can be an additional office holiday party tip but that isn’t always possible with big groups so party planners might have to circulate that information around.
Attend the Party—Even if You’re Only There For a While
Making an effort to be present is good sportsmanship so it’s always better to stay for a while before you make your exit. This can give you some time to offer holiday greetings to those attending while you circle the room. Ensure you greet your boss, manager, and immediate seniors to make sure your attendance has been noted at the event. Your commitment to your job and work is not reflected by your willingness to fall in line with office holiday party etiquette but unfortunately, that is a parallel that is frequently drawn. It is better to show that you are willing to participate and show your appreciation for those who put the party together and then bow out at an appropriate time. It can also help to keep a few colleagues informed in advance so they can help you with making a more graceful exit and batting away external pressure to stay longer at the party.
Knowing you will be leaving soon might give you the push you need to use your social battery well before you go, boosting your survival chances at the work Christmas party.
Be Present But Do Not Hoard the Limelight
It’s very important to try and mingle with your colleagues while at an office party as this might be your best chance to get to know them and develop your network at work. As intimidating as it can be to step into a conversation, especially at workplaces where cliques reign, talking to your coworkers is the only way of changing the apprehension you feel towards them. Identify a few people you might like to start a conversation with and introduce yourself. Your work at the company can lead your interactions as that is the component that is bringing you together, but try to explore conversations outside of work as well.
Avoid discussing anything too polarizing or political—you do not want to start the office gossip train for the night. In case something does start up though, try to calm down and establish that you will deal with the issue when you are back at work next. Getting into an argument can ruin the party for everyone so try to postpone the discussion to a time when everyone is sober and you can get HR involved if necessary.
Do not pressurize yourself into being funny or more intellectual and allow yourself to make a genuine connection. Office holiday party etiquettes also frown upon people who choose to be too loud and demanding and make the party about themselves, so ensure your conversations are bidirectional and that you listen to what people have to say. Try to enjoy people’s company and get to know new people while you’re there anyway.
Moderation is Key In All Things
If there is only one office holiday party tip that you take away from here, let this be it. Whether it comes to deciding what you want to wear or how much you drink at the party, it is always good to exercise restraint. Getting comfortable is the goal of the celebration but some amount of restraint is still necessary at a work event. Any inappropriate behavior might complicate your relationship with your coworkers going forward and that isn’t ideal for anyone involved.
CNBC reported on a study by Price4Limo that found 14 percent of respondents had been laid off after an office party. All the reasons listed in the study revolved around inappropriate behavior towards colleagues and clients. Being comfortable at an office party should never extend to making other people uncomfortable.
Now that you’ve mingled sufficiently and established that you know how to survive a work Christmas party, you should be free to make your exit. Thank the organizers for the work or congratulate them on putting together the event because it does take a lot to make it happen. If you’re at an office dinner where everyone needs to chip in for their share of food or a gift for your employer, make sure you pay your tab before you leave. If there are any gift exchanges or company announcements to be made you might want to ensure you stay for that at least. You can also consider saying goodbye to your bosses but if you are asked to stay, you can also let someone else know and make your exit.
If you’ve decided to stay till the end, it can’t hurt to help with the clean up as there is always a lot to take care of after the party. It might give you a chance to wind down while also allowing you to talk to the coworkers who have stayed behind. This can be a great office holiday party tip because you might be able to walk home with party snack leftovers and who doesn’t love that? You might even enjoy this clean-up afterparty better than the actual event so take your time to decide what feels right for you. When you’re finally on your way home, give yourself a pat on the back for being the epitome of office holiday party etiquette.