01 Time your arrival
You don’t want to be the first to turn up… or the last, so check you know the itinerary for the evening. Being “fashionably late” might give your boss the impression that you don’t really care about the party. Instead, arrive with everybody else and spend the first part of the evening mingling and getting to know people from different departments and teams.
02 Choose your drinks wisely
Be sure to pace yourself throughout the evening and alternate alcoholic beverages with soft drinks or water. Resist the urge to indulge in too many tequila shots or you may end up losing more than your inhibitions! If you’re lucky enough to have a “free” bar avoid abusing it. It may be free for you but more than likely the company will still have to pay for it.
03 Don’t discuss grievances with colleagues
Christmas is a time for reconciliation, celebration and festive spirit, and the office party is a time to have fun. Use the party as an opportunity to get to know colleagues better — you never know what you might have in common when you start talking.
04 Avoid romantic liaisons
Studies have shown that one third of all couples meet at work and considering how much time you spend there, this is hardly surprising. However, using the Christmas party to make your move is not a good strategy, especially if this is fuelled by alcohol. If you do fancy one of your colleagues, take their number and arrange a date outside of work hours.
05 Don’t spend all evening on your mobile
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to talk with someone who is constantly checking their phone. Switch it off for the night and enjoy the company of your colleagues.
By Lisa Busby, head of content and marketing at www.officechristmas.co.uk
