Harry
CibbuanoOffice Christmas Parties Part Two
December 22nd 2006 00:05
I covered some of the basics for the office Christmas Party yesterday. Today I'll look at some more pointers and things to consider before you make your tentative steps into the corperate end of year hurrah.
The christmas party is reknown as a horror event. The possibilities for letting a little too much of your party/social lifestyle bleed into the responsible working lifestyle are all too apparent. Whilst you want to remain on guard, you don't want to be considered socially inept. Therefore it is necessary to at least take advantage of the free alcohol, socialise and build upon the relationships your firm has so far fostered. If you fit into the work social scene well, you will prosper in the workplace as a result of your bonding session gained at the company christmas party.
How much to eat and drink
It is Free - By all means, take advantage of the ever-pouring drinks and the plentiful free food... but, remember your own limitations. A good rule of thumb with alcohol is to do one alcoholic drink and one water/softdrink/juice. Spacing yourself is important. Whatever you do, don't drive home if you've had too many. We recommend you keep yourself happy, but not quite tipsy. Wobbly legged is definitely not an option at the company Christmas party. Have a look at R U Pissed to see how much you might be able to drink.
Get a Taxi - Company parties are usually held in easily accessible locations, and are therefore close to taxi resources. Some areas also have a service where you and your car can get driven home. The restaurant/venue will be happy to book your transport on your behalf.
Get a Room - Sometimes, a little bit of alcohol and good food while sitting beside your office heart throb will get your pulses racing. If you feel things might get heated, get some accommodation. Don't start making out in front of the party, or even in a dark corner... especially if it is against your company policy.
Social ineptitude at it's finest
Meet & Mingle - If you see the IT manager sitting on his own in a dark corner, help him out and go speak to him. The poor guy has problems fitting in. Not to say all IT managers are like that, but that goes for anyone who might be a little shy, or even new to the company. Some firms encourage people to bring their partners, and they often feel strange not knowing anyone. Help them feel comfortable. You may forge a valuable alliance. Make sure you've got a stack of business cards in your top pocket, or in a handy place in your handbag.
Kisses, Hugs.. and maybe more - Not at the Christmas party. Remember that sexual harrassment laws still apply at work functions, and anyway this is a cheesy time to tell someone you've got the hots for them. Be jovial, expressive, but not sleazy (trust me, it will come back to haunt you).
Two Left Feet - You *might* have to dance at the Christmas party! OMG! What do you do. Get some lessons, from friends, dance teachers, jig up and down... but don't be anti-dancing, as your co-workers will see you as being most unfriendly. If you must decline, we assertive. Most people will understand. If someone doesn't want to dance, realise that you asking them in front of a large crowd of colleagues in likely to make their head get hot, their palms sweat and their knees tremble. Be discreet.
Complaints - Remember, this is supposed to be a fun occasion. Don't whinge about the food, service, venue, company, drinks etc. Pretend you're enjoying yourself. Pretend. Make-believe. Children can do it. Tap your ruby slippers together and dream out the words, "There's no place like home", don't just don't say it.
Pressies - If your company traditionally gives pressies at the Christmas party, be tasteful. Don't exploit people's sensitivities, and certainly don't buy anything that might offend. That includes non-Halal.
The christmas party is reknown as a horror event. The possibilities for letting a little too much of your party/social lifestyle bleed into the responsible working lifestyle are all too apparent. Whilst you want to remain on guard, you don't want to be considered socially inept. Therefore it is necessary to at least take advantage of the free alcohol, socialise and build upon the relationships your firm has so far fostered. If you fit into the work social scene well, you will prosper in the workplace as a result of your bonding session gained at the company christmas party.
How much to eat and drink
It is Free - By all means, take advantage of the ever-pouring drinks and the plentiful free food... but, remember your own limitations. A good rule of thumb with alcohol is to do one alcoholic drink and one water/softdrink/juice. Spacing yourself is important. Whatever you do, don't drive home if you've had too many. We recommend you keep yourself happy, but not quite tipsy. Wobbly legged is definitely not an option at the company Christmas party. Have a look at R U Pissed to see how much you might be able to drink.
Get a Taxi - Company parties are usually held in easily accessible locations, and are therefore close to taxi resources. Some areas also have a service where you and your car can get driven home. The restaurant/venue will be happy to book your transport on your behalf.
Get a Room - Sometimes, a little bit of alcohol and good food while sitting beside your office heart throb will get your pulses racing. If you feel things might get heated, get some accommodation. Don't start making out in front of the party, or even in a dark corner... especially if it is against your company policy.
Social ineptitude at it's finest
Meet & Mingle - If you see the IT manager sitting on his own in a dark corner, help him out and go speak to him. The poor guy has problems fitting in. Not to say all IT managers are like that, but that goes for anyone who might be a little shy, or even new to the company. Some firms encourage people to bring their partners, and they often feel strange not knowing anyone. Help them feel comfortable. You may forge a valuable alliance. Make sure you've got a stack of business cards in your top pocket, or in a handy place in your handbag.
Kisses, Hugs.. and maybe more - Not at the Christmas party. Remember that sexual harrassment laws still apply at work functions, and anyway this is a cheesy time to tell someone you've got the hots for them. Be jovial, expressive, but not sleazy (trust me, it will come back to haunt you).
Two Left Feet - You *might* have to dance at the Christmas party! OMG! What do you do. Get some lessons, from friends, dance teachers, jig up and down... but don't be anti-dancing, as your co-workers will see you as being most unfriendly. If you must decline, we assertive. Most people will understand. If someone doesn't want to dance, realise that you asking them in front of a large crowd of colleagues in likely to make their head get hot, their palms sweat and their knees tremble. Be discreet.
Complaints - Remember, this is supposed to be a fun occasion. Don't whinge about the food, service, venue, company, drinks etc. Pretend you're enjoying yourself. Pretend. Make-believe. Children can do it. Tap your ruby slippers together and dream out the words, "There's no place like home", don't just don't say it.
Pressies - If your company traditionally gives pressies at the Christmas party, be tasteful. Don't exploit people's sensitivities, and certainly don't buy anything that might offend. That includes non-Halal.
| 83 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
