Office Party Etiquette

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By Megan Baldwin
Staff Writer

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The third glass of champagne seemed innocent enough-the bubbly went down smooth. Maybe a bit too smoothly because when you woke this morning you didn't feel entirely innocent.

Your memory is a little blurry, but you have a telling headache and a sinking feeling that you engaged in a Bridget Jones worthy public display of humiliation. Unfortunately no amount of Advil will cure the heart-skipping flashbacks of an impromptu rendition of "You're So Vain" (dedicated to your boss) or the accompanying jabs and snickers from your co-workers.

Etiquette Lizzie Post says this sort of "It Happened to Me" antidote can become all too common around the holiday season. In her recently published, "How do You Work this Life Thing?" she says that etiquette is about building relationships and establishing boundaries, not about which fork to use.

Even so, the company office party can be rough terrain. How to avoid a potential manners misstep? Lizzie says that no matter how festive the occasion, it's important to remain professional and keep a few basics in mind.

Tips

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Holiday Office Partys Do's and Don'ts

Make sure to attend.

It never looks good to skip out on a work event, even if you aren't "technically" required to be there.
Your absence might go unnoticed by higher-ups, but then again it might not-so why risk it?

Pay attention to the clock

Fashionably late, doesn’t apply to the office party so, don’t arrive 20-minutes before the end to make an appearance.
On the flip side, neither does overtime so there’s no need to extend the party until the wee hours.

Leave the cleavage to Beaver.

Not so sound like your grandmother, but the office party isn’t the place to flaunt your assets.
Avoid anything too low cut, or scandalously short, because while there might be eight reindeer, the last thing you want to be is

Limit your intake

An open bar can often spell disaster, one too many glasses and it’s easy to forget that the office party is still a business social event and reflects on you when you’re back in the office.
So why risk having to hide in your cubicle? Drink a club soda, or sip something casually-it will be much less painful than the hangover.

Mingle

A corporate party offers a great opportunity to casually interact with higher-ups and co-workers from other departments. So why not take advantage?
But before you step from behind your cubicle, make sure to brush up on names. You wouldn’t want to call Dasher, Dancer.

Keep to the guest list

Unless you’re encouraged to bring a plus one, don’t bring uninvited guests (spouses, children, even clients) to an office party.
The idea is for you to mingle with your co-workers not be stuck under the mistletoe with your date.

Give the gift that gives back

Don’t have any idea what to buy Mike from accounting. In lieu of an awkward “Secret Santa” exchange, suggest putting your office’s gifting skills towards those in need.
If you can’t settle on a charity, websites like Donor’s Choose (donorschoose.org) are an easy way to rally your resources.

Remember to say thanks

Send an email or take the time to write a note to the organizer of the office party.
Tis’ the season, so even if sounds simple, it will make them feel appreciated.

To find more tips and answers to etiquette explained, visit the Emily Post Institute online at Emilypostinstitute.com.