Etiquette Tip of the Week: Be an Office Party Success, Not a Mess
By Callista Gould, Author and Certified Etiquette Instructor
Rules for The Workplace Holiday Party
▪ Don't arrive too early or too late; within half an hour of the start time is fine. For a dinner – be on time.
▪ Put away your phone and be attentive to others.
▪ Never stick to the people you know. Expand your circle of influence, by chatting with people who work in other departments, or family members of your colleagues.
▪ If partners are invited, have pre-party prep to discuss who your partner will meet, subjects to talk about and taboo topics.
▪ Don't gossip. Speak well of your clients, colleagues and especially your supervisor.
▪ Don't flirt or make inappropriate remarks. Even held off site, the workplace party is still the workplace.
▪ Know the dress code. And dress so people respect you, not inspect you.
▪ One appetizer at a time, without a plate. Two at a time, with a plate.
▪ Break that large chip or cracker in half before dipping, so you don't, well… you know.
▪ Drink responsibly or don't drink at all. Countless careers have crashed from taking one sip too many and saying the wrong thing.
▪ Plenty of non-alcohol beverages at the bar: cranberry juice, club soda, soda/pop or water.
▪ When the photographer comes around, put your beverage down. Don't be photographed with beverage in hand.
▪ Before departing, thank your hosts (managers) and any administrative assistants who planned the party.
▪ Never be the last one to leave the party.
| ▪ | Don't arrive too early or too late; within half an hour of the start time is fine. For a dinner – be on time. |
| ▪ | Put away your phone and be attentive to others. |
| ▪ | Never stick to the people you know. Expand your circle of influence, by chatting with people who work in other departments, or family members of your colleagues. |
| ▪ | If partners are invited, have pre-party prep to discuss who your partner will meet, subjects to talk about and taboo topics. |
| ▪ | Don't gossip. Speak well of your clients, colleagues and especially your supervisor. |
| ▪ | Don't flirt or make inappropriate remarks. Even held off site, the workplace party is still the workplace. |
| ▪ | Know the dress code. And dress so people respect you, not inspect you. |
| ▪ | One appetizer at a time, without a plate. Two at a time, with a plate. |
| ▪ | Break that large chip or cracker in half before dipping, so you don't, well… you know. |
| ▪ | Drink responsibly or don't drink at all. Countless careers have crashed from taking one sip too many and saying the wrong thing. |
| ▪ | Plenty of non-alcohol beverages at the bar: cranberry juice, club soda, soda/pop or water. |
| ▪ | When the photographer comes around, put your beverage down. Don't be photographed with beverage in hand. |
| ▪ | Before departing, thank your hosts (managers) and any administrative assistants who planned the party. |
| ▪ | Never be the last one to leave the party. |
If you're planning the office party, forget the ugly sweater contest or Secret Santa, where everyone pulls a colleague's name, then buys a gift or "gag" gift. Not everyone likes ugly sweaters or Secret Santas. But you know what everyone likes? Food and a chance for some down time. Good food and gratitude are the way to go.
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Thank you for all the kind notes and emails on the passing of my beautiful mother. I was grateful for your stories and words of encouragement. The Etiquette Tip of the Week author will be taking time off for the Holidays and will be back in action on January 11, 2022. Thank you for reading! Enjoy your Holidays and Best of Success in the New Year.
Looking for the perfect gift for family, for staff, for friends? My book, The Exceptional Professional: What You Need to Know to Grow Your Career is the gift that keeps on giving... for a lifetime. It's also great for tuning up your Team at work, Leadership Development class or business book clubs. Find it on Amazon.com or buy local in Des Moines, Iowa at Beaverdale Books.
Need a lively and interactive speaker to inspire your team either in person or virtually? Let's talk: cgould@cultureandmanners.com or 515-225-9683. Or visit www.cultureandmanners.com.
