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Surviving the office party by Scott Boyd

Aka - get drunk and tell the boss what you really think of him!

At this time of year, most people will be attending or have been to their office Xmas party.  It is supposed to a time where everyone can relax and get to know other people that you don’t have a chance to at work.

But does it work out like that?

Not a chance!

This article is just a wee humorous look at the office party phenomenon and how to avoid that dreaded entrance into work the next Monday morning!

Hmm…Clare from accounts looks good tonight…

How many times have you been to an office party where you or one of your co-workers have hooked up with someone?

Office parties hold that unique appeal of “anything goes”.

It is the one event in your annual calendar that you will see more relationships start and end on the same night, than on any other day of the year.

It usually is leading up to an important event – most usually Christmas, where everyone decides to let their hair down and relax.

Big mistake!

It leads to the most awkward situations at work the following week (and possibly months depending on the level of foolishness of your actions), which for most people, can be excruciating!

Hooking up with someone from work can seem like a good idea at the time, but can lead to several problems afterwards:

• Eh, what if either one of you changes their mind when sober?

• Some companies have a strict no fraternisation policy.

• If all goes well afterwards then there is no problem.  But what if one of you needs some space?

• Your colleagues will never let you hear the end of it!

Make sure you make your decisions carefully – you could be regretting it for a long time afterwards!

“I could do your job with my eyes closed, you ********”

Being drunk at the office party and telling your boss what you really think is never a good idea.  Period.

Regardless of the fact that you are outside of office working hours, you are still obliged to follow the rules set by your employer.

Your actions are still a reflection on the company you work for, so conduct yourself in an appropriate manner.  You can still have fun – you don’t need to be drunk to do that.

Chances are that some of you will break off from the main group later on and go off and do your own thing – you can use that time to let go.  For the time being, act like the professional you are.

There is absolutely no need to drink to excess on any occasion, let alone at your work night out.  Being totally out of it can lead to disciplinary actions being taken against you, so if you want to keep your job, then keep your head.

Try going to an interview and telling them you were sacked because you got too drunk at the staff night out!  No chance you’ll get the job!

Seize the opportunity

You can use your work night out to further your career.

I’m not saying don’t have fun, but it’s a chance for you to network and rub shoulders with the people that make the decisions.

Introduce yourself to the managers and staff from other departments.  Ask them how things are going down their end and relate it to the work you do.  Express an interest in their work.  Ask questions.  Learn what you can.

If you have an aim to work in another department, then find people from that department and chat with them.  Don’t grill them for information and give them your CV right there and then.

But you can make yourself known, so it is much easier to call them when you are back at work.  At least they will remember who you are (unless they got too drunk…).  Best to do this at the beginning of the night! J

If you are able to relax and enjoy yourself, without making a fool of yourself, then your career will benefit from it.  Be seen to be chatting with people and having a laugh (don’t go too far!).

Your employer isn’t likely to promote you if you spent all night sitting by yourself not talking to anyone.

New Arrivals

Occasionally you may arrive at a new job just in time for the office party and it can be daunting.

There will be a lot of people there who know each other and the chances are that you don’t know anyone, so here are some tips to get by:

• If you are at a meal, then introduce yourself when you sit down with the others at the table.  Tell them that you just started and where you work.

• If you do know a few people then chat with them.  A lot of people will not think to introduce others in these situations, so make a point of introducing yourself.  All it takes is a “Hi, I’m Scott – I’ve just started as the web designer”, and a handshake.

• Of course if your name isn’t Scott and you aren’t a web designer, then you may want to change this statement…

• If you forget people’s names then don’t worry.  When you find yourself chatting to them again, just say casually that you have forgotten their name – you’ve been introduced to sooooo many people!  Or ask someone else.

• If you find yourself alone, then get up and go to the nearest group of people.  Interrupt them (subtly) and ask if they mind if you join them as you have just started and you don’t really know anyone.  Don’t worry about it – seriously, they will be fine and will more often than not they will welcome you warmly.

Best of luck!

Regards

Scott Boyd - Webmaster and Founder - Jobseekers Advice

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