Health & Fitness
Career Tips: 4 Ways To Handle Work Holiday Parties
'Tis the season – for holiday parties. You've probably already received an invitation for your company holiday party – learn how to handle these events like a pro with these tips:
1. Do attend.
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Holiday parties are a great opportunity to enhance your relationships and build your network. Yes, your family does come first – and it's important that you enjoy your personal life to the fullest by using your personal time to do things that matter to you.
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At the same time, being well connected in your organization is essential to becoming an All-Star professional. So, you will help your career flourish if you hire a babysitter once in a while and attend some work social events. And holiday parties are great opportunity to develop relationships in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
2. Keep clothing G rated.
Yes, this is a social event, but it's not like you're going clubbing. Envision yourself running into the CEO – and dress like you want to make a good impression on her.
3. If alcohol is being served, drink moderately – or skip it if you don't want to.
If you want to drink, be moderate. Sharing a beer with your coworkers is one thing, intoxication is another. Remember, these are your colleagues and even though this is a social event, drunken behavior will only hurt your reputation. So, don't let the temptation of an open bar overcome you – if you love cheap drinks, you can always open a beer at home.
Even if everyone else is drinking, that doesn't mean that you have to. If you don't feel like it, just don't. Carry around a seltzer and lime and no one will know the difference anyway.
3. Introduce yourself. To everyone you can.
Don't spend the whole event talking to your three best work buddies. This is a perfect environment for building relationships with people you don't see often, or even meet new people from different departments. Try to speak to as many people as possible, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself or ask for an introduction from someone else.
4. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.
Holiday parties are places for light, positive conversation. Don't throw your boss under the bus or complain about the newest policy. Mostly, you'll be making small talk – and that's okay.
What do you think? What's your favorite tip for holiday work events?
Marie Wetmore
