One thing you can count on during
holiday season is obligatory office party. No matter what size of organization, there is always an effort to bring coworkers together for one more moment of merriment. Some people look forward to chance to mix and mingle outside confines of business and others would rather give up annual bonus than have to spend precious personal time with gang from work.No matter which side of issue you fall on, there are certain rules of behavior to follow at office party if you want to have an office to go to when party is over. When invitation arrives for holiday happening, make sure that you know answers to these key questions:
1. Do I have to go? Don't even consider NOT going unless you have a justifiable conflict. The office party is part of your job. Its purpose is to bring together coworkers and colleagues for a bit of camaraderie and some well-deserved recognition. If this is not your idea of a great time, then consider it work, put on your best attitude and go.
2. Do I need to know who will be there? Find out who else has been invited. If you assume that it is just your department or your work team, you may not be prepared to interact with everyone else. Any sort of mixing and mingling event requires advance preparation. Knowing who will be there and having an idea what to talk about is critical to a successful venture.
3. How long should I stay? Stay long enough to speak to everyone there - assuming there is not a cast of thousands. With a large crowd, interact with as many people as possible, especially key people like your boss. You need to remain at event for at least an hour or you will give impression that your appearance was merely obligatory.
If you are having a good time check your watch. Leave before party time has elapsed. If your invitation was from 5-7, don't stay one minute past 7 o'clock. You don't want to be thought of as part of clean-up crew unless that is next job you want to have.
4. What should I wear? Remember that this is office party, and keep your guard up when deciding how to dress. If event is immediately after work, your business attire is appropriate.
If party is later in evening or on weekend your choices will vary depending on type of event. If you aren't certain what to wear, check directly with your host or with coworkers whose taste and judgment you trust. Make sure that what you wear reflects well on you professionally. This is not time to show up in your most revealing outfit.
5. Is my family invited? Not unless it says so on invitation. Take your children only if invitation reads "and family". Otherwise leave them at home with babysitter. Unless your spouse is mentioned or envelope is addressed to you "and guest" you and only you should show up.
