Monthly Archives: November 2016

How to Survive the Office Christmas Party

I absolutely love Christmas.

On the 1st December the Christmas tree goes up. I give Christmas Jumper Day (16th December) in aid of the charity Shelter my wholehearted support and keep up the Christmas spirit by wearing it to all the Christmas parties!

Next week I’ll be giving you tips on how to survive the family over the festive season but this week I want to concentrate on the office Christmas party.

Do you love it or loathe it?

I admit I’m not a fan. But you may feel that you have to go to be seen as a team player and to help your career. So read on for my office party survival tips and avoid embarrassment!

And I promise I’m not trying to sound like your mother. But having spent ten years in Human Resources I’ve carried out enough disciplinary meetings to know that sometimes it’s good to be reminded.

 

  1. Eat! Trust me you’ll thank me the next morning when you wake up feeling well enough to drag yourself out of bed and into work.  If you can manage it then eat a big lunch. If the event is in the evening have a snack before you go or buy an extra sandwich at lunch and eat this on your way home – or visit your local chippy! All those carbs and fat will soak up the alchohol and give you some energy for the dance floor.
  2. Pace yourself.  For every alcoholic drink that you imbibe then have at least 1 glass of water in between and know your limits. Remember, you have to work with these people and possibly for some time to come. So don’t do or say something that you wouldn’t if you were sober.
  3. Stay safe.  Know how you and your colleagues are getting home and agree that you’ll all message each other when you get home. Know what time your last bus/train etc. is and make sure that you leave before this to avoid an expensive taxi ride home. And set your alarm so if you do fall asleep you won’t miss your stop. We’ve all been there. And ladies – remember to carry a pair of comfy shoes to change into for your journey home.
  4. If you want to be the most popular person in the office the morning after the party take in a box of doughnuts or, if you can manage it, bacon butties for everyone. Believe me you’ll be loved for ever and everyone will know your name – but in a positive way.
  5. Social Media – everyone will be taking photos during the event and sharing on their social media so don’t be caught doing something that you shouldn’t be or that will bring the company into disrepute. You don’t want to be part of an investigation the next day on top of your hangover.
  6. Career enhancer or killer?  See this event as a career enhancer. If you manage a team then see if you can have them come in an hour later. They will be a lot more productive for the rest of the day if they have had some sleep! Or have a team lunch if the budget allows.

The Christmas season seems to get longer each year.  As people’s diaries get busier I have seen the festive period start in November and be going strong January. So it’s not a bad idea to pace yourself and have an occasional night in. Other than that, stay safe and have fun.

Do you have any tips for surviving the Christmas work party? If so I would love to hear about them.