11 Christmas party survival tips: What NOT to do at the end of year work bash

As the working year starts to wrap up, it’s time for the end of year work function and Christmas festivities. These events are a great chance to reconnect with colleagues, say farewell to 2022 and recognise achievements. It’s also an excellent time to stay focused and remember: you don’t want to leave your reputation behind at the party, writes workplace culture expert, Michelle Gibbings.

11 tips to survive the office Christmas party (and keep your job)

We’ve all seen, heard or witnessed stories of colleagues who have gone too far at the office party and then lived to regret their unwise behaviour. You don’t want that to be you, so here are eleven tips to follow.

1. Remember – it’s still work

Even though the calendar invitation might include the word ‘party’, don’t forget it is still work. This rule applies regardless of the function’s location – for example, the office or an external venue.

Your organisation’s code of conduct and workplace laws apply, and if you overstep the mark, there won’t only be consequences for your reputation and job, you could face legal issues.

2. Don’t overdo it

Too loud. Too boisterous. Too much drinking. The list could go on. While it’s a party and a time to celebrate, you want to know your limits, so you don’t wake up fearing the answer to the question ‘What did I do last night?‘.

3. Be professional

You can have fun and be professional at the same time. There are a few simple rules of etiquette:

• Turn up on time.
• Dress appropriately.
• Ignore any peer pressure, and avoid being sucked in to do things that make you (or someone else) feel uncomfortable.
• Make the time to thank the organisers for their efforts.

4. Mingle broadly

It’s natural to want to hang out with your friends at the event. However, when you do this, you miss the opportunity to meet new people and extend your network. The event is a great chance to bond and get to know people in a more relaxed environment. So, make an effort to talk to people across the team and organisation.

5. Be inclusive, not exclusive

If new people to the organisation find it hard to meet people, then take the time to make them feel welcome and introduce them to your colleagues. For people who joined during the year, this might be the first time they’ve met people face to face, and it can be daunting to walk into an unknown crowd.

6. Have boundaries

If your Christmas party allows you to bring your partner, talk with them about the event in advance. You will need to socialise with colleagues, and you want them to feel comfortable too. As well, any overt PDAs (public displays of affection) are never a good look.

7. Be interesting

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with someone at the Christmas party who is peppering you with questions and drilling you on your work, when all you want to do is not think about work. Don’t be that person.

Be interesting and interested in what people have to say. For example, ask them about upcoming holidays and outside interests. The event is your chance to show a different side to you.

8. Don’t gossip

You want to keep the conversation casual and fun. Avoid conversations that could offend, and be careful about moaning about your job, boss or team mates.

You may not remember who you have spoken with, but the person you have shared with is likely to remember everything you have said, and your words may come back to haunt you.

9. Ditch the phone

Many of us are addicted to our phones. If you spend much of the event on your phone, you miss interacting with your colleagues. Also, it can come across as rude because your colleagues may interpret your behaviour as a disinterest in them and the team.

Be respectful about taking photos and what you share on social media. Not everyone wants to have their picture plastered on Facebook or Instagram, so make sure you ask before you act.

10. Look after your colleagues

You want everyone to have fun and get home safely. So, if you see a colleague who has perhaps overdone it, don’t judge.  Instead, find an appropriate way to help. It might be ensuring they get safely into a taxi or finding one of their trusted friends to take them home.

11. Know when to leave

You never want to be the first to leave or the last to go, so plan your exit wisely. As well, avoid the sneaky exit. You want to say goodbye to your boss (or host).

And lastly, before the event, work out how you will get home – quickly and safely. There’s nothing worse than a long queue for a taxi or rideshare at the end of the night.

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