‘Tis the Season: Office Holiday Party Etiquette
The office holiday party: a personal-yet-also-professional gathering of colleagues to celebrate the end of the year.
From professional organizations to corporate offices to even academic institutions, the end of year gathering marks the closing of the calendar (and often, the fiscal year) and can be a great way to get to know your colleagues in a more relaxed setting. While we definitely encourage you to have fun at your office holiday party, there is some understood etiquette for the event. Check out the tips below to put your merriest foot forward!
Attend, unless you genuinely have a conflict
For things like holiday parties, it really is the thought that counts. Try to make at least a short appearance at the event, often referred to as “spending the required hour.” You dont have to arrive directly on time - if the event begins immediately after work, feel free to take 15-20 minutes to freshen up, run home if you can, or take a breather and get into the festive spirit.
“One caveat here: The higher up in your organization you are, the more you might be expected to make an effort to attend. If you’re senior-level, your absence might be conspicuous, and you risk coming across as someone who wouldn’t deign to socialize with people lower down the corporate ladder. Obviously that doesn’t mean you need to blow off a family wedding to be there, but think twice before missing it for, say, drinks with friends.” (1)
Really not jazzed about attendance but going anyway? First, good for you! Secondly, try to gamify the event, like any other networking event. Can you learn one new thing about three colleagues? Can you eat ten cookies before anyone notices?
A few questions you can ask the event organizers prior to attendance:
Am I expected to bring anything for the event? A white elephant gift? A bottle of wine? Team gifts?
What is the dress code for the event?
Is my significant other invited?
Socialize
Consider the holiday party as an opportunity to networking with new coworkers or perhaps those with whom you do not routinely interact. This is a great chance to speak to those colleagues not on your immediate team but with whom you work regularly, such as your support teams or sales teams.
It’s easy at events like this to cluster with the co-workers you know well and spending the party around the same people you spend most of your day with. But there are benefits to using the party as a chance to get to know more people in your company. The next time you need something from IT or payroll, it’ll be helpful to know and have some good will with people on those teams. (1).
Introverted? No problem. Start small by speaking with people you already know and ask them to make introductions to new people. Ask them if there is anyone in attendance you should definitely meet or to connect with a few of their favorites in other departments.
Observe safe conversation topics and behavior
Avoid the age-old landmine: politics, religion, off-color jokes, and gossip. Stick to positive topics, such as holiday plans, books youve been reading, the quality of the food and beverage at the party, complimenting the hosts, etc.
Further, conduct yourself with decorum by observing the proper dress code and utilizing “business casual” formalities, such as shaking hands/bumping elbows with colleagues, using proper titles, etc. You should dress in “festive business casual",” nothing too tight or revealing depending on your industry and office vibe. Holiday party attire is basically one step more casual from regular office attire - when in doubt, check with your manager or a trusted colleague. For those tempted to put pictures from the event on social media, be sure to ask those in the photo if they approve before posting.
Watch the imbibing
The number one response to “What advice would you give young professionals attending holiday parties for the first time?” was almost unanimously “Don’t drink too much.” While the booze might be free, stick to one or two drinks, or pace yourself according to your limits.
Say thank you to the organizers
No matter when you leave the event, be sure to thank whichever team was responsible for putting it together. Whether that’s an in-person thank you the night of the event or a follow-up email the next day, be sure to express gratitude for their hard work.
Citations
Buckman, Anna. “The Office Party Mistake Etiquette Experts Say You Should Avoid ‘At All Costs.’” The Zoe Report, 11 Dec. 2021, www.thezoereport.com/living/holiday-office-party-etiquette.
Gentile, Venus. “The Dos and Don’ts of Christmas Office Party Etiquette.” Monster.Com, www.monster.com/career-advice/article/office-holiday-party-etiquette. Accessed 18 Dec. 2023.
Green, Alison. “How to Survive the Office Holiday Party.” The Cut, 28 Nov. 2023, www.thecut.com/article/office-holiday-party.html.
More Posts You May Like
