10 Professional Ways To Handle Yourself At Your Year End Office Party

10 Professional Ways To Handle Yourself At Your Year End Office Party. 2019 is only left with a month and a few weeks to end and some are already having their year end parties. This is the time for you to get to know the other side of your colleagues, subordinates and superiors. You can still be professional though, and here is how;

1. Make Sure Your Work is Complete

You have been looking forward to this particular event, but that doesn’t mean that you should shrug off your work responsibilities. If you have a significant deadline looming or if your team or boss need something from you, make sure it is completed on time and before you head off to the event.

2. Attend

Even though in most offices, attendance is optional, make it a point that you are present because it shows you’re a team player. Unless your department frequently hosts parties to celebrate other office milestones, the year end party is the only time you all get to let loose, so use it to your full advantage.

3. Dress Appropriately

Although the office party generally takes place out of office hours it doesn’t mean that you have to dress for out of office. It is okay to take your clothes up a notch for the occasion but it should still be professional, tasteful and appropriate. This is for men and women alike.

4. Mingle

If your department is a big one, chances of you interacting with everyone on a daily basis is almost impossible. The office party is the perfect time for you to get to know the fellow colleagues you hardly engage with. This is the one day you don’t have to worry about work emails or calls so be a good sport and put your phone away.

5. Don’t Look Bored

For some, attending the year end function or office party is just a tick box exercise and they really aren’t there by choice. This is a terrible attitude to have but sometimes it can’t be helped. If you are one of those people who dreads the year-end office function, at least try to act excited and engaged. Don’t frown, cross your arms, yawn or slouch.

6. Stay Away From The Gossip

Keep the conversations light and general. If you intend on having a few alcoholic drinks, gossip is the last thing you want to engage in because chances are, it won’t end well. For one, you might not remember what you said should the matter escalate and two, you’ll get stuck in a he said, she said and no one wants that kind of drama.

7. Pace Yourself When Drinking

Letting your hair down with colleagues is all good and well, however, this is no reason to overdo it. Regardless of whether there are free drinks or not, it’s still a work event. Your superiors are still monitoring your behavior so make sure you don’t leave a bad impression.

8. Don’t Leave Too Early

Unless there’s an emergency, leaving the event in the first thirty minutes might make you look bored and antisocial. Even if your colleagues aren’t people you would normally hang around with, stick it out for a few hours and be part of the team.

9. Be Cautious When Posting Pics On Social Media 

When taking photos at year-end events make sure that those in the picture don’t mind it being posted on social media, that they aren’t drinking or in an awkward position and that your captions aren’t inappropriate. Remember that even though you may be posting from your personal account you are still representing your company and brand.

10. Arrive Early At Work The Next Day 

If the party ended late and you are feeling a bit worse for wear, don’t let it show. Put an alarm on and get to work on time the next day. Don’t use the office party as an excuse to slack the next day. This behaviour shows commitment, dedication, and discipline.