Business Etiquette Tips for the Company Holiday Party

Tis the season for socializing at the annual office holiday party. As you attend the affair keep in mind that the company sponsored office party is still a business event. It is an extension of the workplace and provides social interaction at the business level. Below are some tips for using the company sponsored party to your career advantage. Enjoy the festivities!

1. Accept the invitation and attend the holiday party. The important point here is to make an appearance even if it is only for an hour. Arrive on time, not an hour late, and leave when the party is showing signs of winding down. And, make sure to leave with the same person who accompanied you to the party not someone else.
2. Concentrate on meeting and greeting people. Introduce yourself to senior executives and others you don’t know. Don’t pass on the opportunity for a face-to-face brief conversation with these key people. This is your chance to meet colleagues who may advance your career in the future. Equally important is to mingle with your peers as it demonstrates you’re a team player.
3. Go prepared with conversation topics. Keep the topics positive and upbeat. Show interest in others. Use this time to strengthen business relationships. Stay away from talking about business or voicing complaints about the company or discussing controversial topics such as politics or religion or off-color jokes.
4. Avoid texting and talking. If you are texting and talking simultaneously, or texting friends across the room, or texting under the table, you are missing the opportunity to meet the person in front of you! Keep your cell phone turned off – not on vibrate mode – unless your role requires you to be on-call or available for emergencies. In that case, make sure you have notified the host in advance.
5. Minimize or avoid alcohol intake. This is the worst place to get drunk. Even if a senior person did not observe your behavior you do not want an unflattering picture of you appearing on a social networking site or to be shared at the office cooler the next day. Keep in mind your behavior will influence the company’s decision to have you represent the company or key members of the company at other business social events
6. Don’t dress as if you are going to a bar or the beach. The goal is to show your professional qualities. Avoid revealing clothing, low necklines, flashy colors, midriffs, t-shirts, workout attire, and flip-flops. Dress stylishly yet conservatively. Skip on the heavy cologne or pungent perfume.
7. Don’t head straight to the buffet and bar. You were not invited because you were hungry or thirsty. Eat something before arriving at the party. At the buffet, stay away from greasy or sauce-laden foods. Choose finger foods that can be held in your left hand and consumed in a few bites. You can always eat more after the party.
8. Before leaving, thank the person or people responsible for planning and coordinating the holiday party. They will appreciate and remember your thoughtfulness. Consider sending a thank you note to management for hosting the party.