Dos
Attend
Even though in most offices, attendance is optional, make it a point that you are present because it shows you’re a team player. Unless your department frequently hosts parties to celebrate other office milestones, the year end party is the only time you all get to let loose, so use it to your full advantage.
Mingle
If your department is a big one, chances of you interacting with everyone on a daily basis is almost impossible. The office party is the perfect time for you to get to know the fellow colleagues you hardly engage with. This is the one day you don’t have to worry about work emails or calls so be a good sport and put your phone away.
Dress accordingly
The function organisers will surely send you an invite prior to the day therefore you’ll have an idea of where you’re going. Picking the appropriate outfit will not only help you be comfortable but you’ll also avoid having stares for all the wrong reasons. For those who are usually undecided on what to wear, ask your colleagues what they’ll be wearing, you could get inspiration from a few.
Don’ts
Stay away from the gossip
Keep the conversations light and general. If you intend on having a few alcoholic drinks, gossip is the last thing you want to engage in because chances are, it won’t end well. For one, you might not remember what you said should the matter escalate and two, you’ll get stuck in a he said, she said and no one wants that kind of drama.
Pace yourself when drinking
Letting your hair down with colleagues is all good and well, however, this is no reason to overdo it. Regardless of whether there are free drinks or not, it’s still a work event. Your superiors are still monitoring your behavior so make sure you don’t leave a bad impression.
Don’t leave too early
Unless there’s an emergency, leaving the event in the first thirty minutes might make you look bored and antisocial. Even if your colleagues aren’t people you would normally hang around with, stick it out for a few hours and be part of the team.
