How to get the most out of your office party

19/03/2009

Office parties can be a fantastic way to boost morale in the workplace and are a great opportunity to get to know your fellow colleagues and talk about things other than spreadsheets, sales numbers and targets. However, there are a few things to bear in mind to avoid upset and embarrassment while partying the night away…

Dress appropriately

This is a tricky one as the ‘appropriate’ outfit can differ hugely depending on the venue, type of event and location. Asking around to see what others plan to wear is a good tactic. Many people will go all out, wearing party dresses and suits for a glamorous Christmas party, while people might opt for casual shorts and trainers for a summer BBQ. Using common sense and not going too ‘over the top’ is the secret here.

Treat the free bar with caution

This one is self-explanatory. No-one wants to have to face colleagues on a Monday morning after drunkenly embarrassing themselves. The free bar helps everyone relax and socialise, but its best to leave it at that.

Don’t talk about work!

It’s very easy to slip into old habits, but office parties are an opportunity to talk to your colleagues about what you get up to outside of work. Sharing hobbies, tastes and other information about your personal lives can really help to cement and enhance your working relationships.