How To Behave At Your Company’s Holiday Party (Hint: No Dancing On Tables)

While company-sponsored holiday parties offer a chance to unwind and celebrate with colleagues, they also present a unique challenge: balancing the desire to have fun with the need to maintain professional decorum. These events can be a minefield of potential missteps that could have lasting consequences on your career and workplace relationships.

The allure of a free-flowing party, especially one funded by the company, can be strong. The combination of complimentary food and drinks, a festive atmosphere and the rare opportunity to see co-workers in a more relaxed setting can be intoxicating—both literally and figuratively. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and overindulge, potentially leading to behavior that would be out of place in the office environment.

However, it’s critical to remember that despite the casual setting, a company holiday party is still a work-related event. Your actions and interactions at these gatherings can have a significant impact on how you’re perceived by colleagues and superiors alike. Unprofessional behavior, excessive drinking or inappropriate comments can tarnish your reputation and potentially affect your standing within the company.

The key to successfully navigating office holiday parties lies in finding the right balance. It’s possible to enjoy the festivities, engage in friendly conversations and even let your hair down a bit without crossing professional boundaries. Being mindful of your alcohol consumption, maintaining appropriate topics of conversation and remembering that you’re still in a work-related context can help ensure that you have a good time, while preserving your professional image.

How To Have A Positive Experience

It’s wise to attend the party, even if you don’t particularly like your boss or co-workers; it’s an obligatory thing. Make a concerted effort to show up, even if it’s just for a short while. Your presence demonstrates engagement with your team and helps cultivate relationships outside of the usual work environment.

Inquire about the dress code to determine if it’s formal or casual, and make sure to dress appropriately. During the office party, focus on engaging in polite conversations. Ask questions, share light-hearted stories and steer clear of politics and other third-rail subjects that could lead to uncomfortable situations. Use this occasion to deepen your connections with colleagues, viewing it as a chance to foster long-term professional relationships.

Enjoying a cocktail is perfectly fine, but it’s important to drink responsibly. You certainly don’t want to be the person who ends up dancing on the table without a shirt. If there are games or activities planned, try not to be a party pooper; participate even if you’re not particularly in the mood. Engaging in these activities can help ease tensions and create a more laid-back environment among your co-workers.

What To Do And Say If You’re Awkward At Events

If you’re not familiar with many attendees at the party, it can feel uncomfortable and stressful. Dealing with awkward silences at an office gathering can be tough, but there are effective ways to navigate these moments with ease.

To begin with, it’s a good idea to have a few conversation starters ready ahead of time. Discussing recent events, common interests or even engaging in light-hearted games can help keep the dialogue flowing.

However, don’t be afraid of silence. While a lull in conversation can feel awkward, it also provides an opportunity for reflection. If you notice the conversation slowing down, try offering a sincere compliment to the person you’re talking to. You can then follow up with a question to steer the discussion in a new direction. For example, saying something like, “I really love your earrings! Where did you find them?” can open up a fresh topic for conversation.

Another technique is to pose open-ended questions that encourage more elaborate responses, such as “What has been the highlight of your year?” or “Did you catch the game last night?” This propels more meaningful conversations and helps prevent simple “yes” or “no” answers that can result in awkward silences.

If the uncomfortable lulls persist, you can always use humor or light commentary about the situation itself to lighten the mood. Remember that confidence is key, and staying calm and composed during the silence can help normalize it and make the breaks less awkward for both parties.

When the conversation appears to be winding down, it’s perfectly acceptable to graciously exit the discussion by thanking the person for their time and moving on.

What Not To Do At Your Company’s Holiday Party

On the flip side, there are certain behaviors that you should avoid that could result in a visit to human resources—or worse.

As mentioned before, do not skip the event. Avoiding the party can send negative signals about your commitment to the team.

While it’s tempting to treat it like a night out, maintain a level of decorum that reflects your professional image by avoiding excessive drinking or rowdy behavior that could tarnish your reputation.

Avoid overt flirting or crossing personal boundaries, as this is still a professional environment. Inappropriate conduct can lead to misunderstandings or even harassment allegations. Additionally, steer clear of co-workers engaged in gossip, speaking negatively about colleagues or making fun of the boss and the company.

Lastly, try not to discuss work too extensively. Limit work-related conversations and concentrate on enjoying the festive atmosphere rather than delving into business topics.