Christmas is a time we tend to indulge. It’s not uncommon for many of us to eat a little too much, slack off the gym and have a few more tipples than usual. This year’s Christmas party is particularly special with many companies having Christmas parties again in the post-pandemic world.
However, this can make many people nervous. This Christmas party will be full of colleagues who have never been to office Christmas parties, and those who haven’t been to one in a long time. While Christmas parties should be a time to bond with colleagues and have a good time, having a little too much fun could be to the detriment of your career.
So, how can you have a jolly time without overstepping the mark or waking up the next morning with excruciating hanxiety? Here are our top tips to help you survive the office Christmas party and avoid the naughty list:
1. Stay 2 drinks behind your boss (or client) at ALL TIMES
When the drinks are flowing it can be easy to lose track of how many you’ve had. However, to avoid any reputational headaches, know your limits and don’t try to keep up. Always be in control and if you start to feel this slipping, drink water and fast – everyone’s tolerances are different so don’t feel the pressure to match others drink for drink. Alcohol causes a loss of inhibitions and affects our decision-making process, which is most likely to trigger something you’ll regret the next day. So, if you’re drinking alcohol, keep to a steady pace and know when to stop.
2. Don’t get loose lipped
We all like a gossip, especially after a mulled wine or 3. However, remember that while you may be getting on with colleagues famously in that moment in time, it doesn’t mean a throwaway comment won’t come back to bite you. You never know about other relationships within a business or where loyalties lie. Keep to safe topics – after all, the Christmas party is meant to be fun, so don’t add any unnecessary drama into the mix.
3. Don’t just talk about work
The office Christmas party is the perfect time to mingle with colleagues who you don’t usually spend time with day-to-day. Take this opportunity to meet new people and build stronger relationships with existing close colleagues through non-work related conversations. If you feel a little anxious talking to new people or struggle to make small talk, prepare a couple questions that will help you to get to know your colleagues better.
4. Put your phone away
Of course, you want to document your fantastic night with your colleagues. However, don’t get too Instagram happy when you’ve had a few. It’s likely colleagues and acquaintances will have a cheeky profile stalk if they’re tagged in photos, so don’t let them see a steady stream of photos showing you enjoying the night a little too much. Take a few choice shots and then put your phone away. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
5. Make sure you’re still on form the next day
The morning after the night before can end up being the moment when you regret not booking annual leave like some of your colleagues. But if you’re in work the next day it’s important to plan your day. Whilst employers might be more lenient, they’ll still expect you to work professionally and productively. Plan for meetings, making sure that anything important is scheduled for the afternoon when you’re likely to be more switched on.
By Mark Pearce Head of Service Development & Delivery at caba