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There have been films made about it, everyone has a story about an incident at an office party, so how do you handle these events in a way that will not cause you heartache, embarrassment, or make you wish you just didn’t go.

One thing to remember, is the word ‘office’. The people who will be there are those that you have to work with the next day or week, so some consideration to the boundaries of what is normally acceptable is necessary. The basis of good manners is thoughtfulness and consideration for others.

Dress Code.

Is it a dress to impress event?  If it is, consider how you will portray your personality and position in the company. Take note of the venue, the time of the event, and the style of the invitation. That should give you a clue as to whether it needs glamour and formality,      or if it is more casual. For women, a jacket can always cover up a dress that is a little too revealing if you make a mistake in judgement. For guys, if in doubt, take the tie and be on the ready. If going straight from work, some simple freshening up is mandatory. For girls, enhancing makeup, changing accessories, some fragrance, changing hairstyle are all simple things that require little effort. For the guys, a quick shave to remove shadow, cologne, a clean shirt (casual or formal depending on the situation) and change of jacket can make all the difference.

Your attitude.

The office party is not about letting go. Think about your position, after all its your reputation that is at stake the following day so drink in moderation, and stay alert. Over the top behaviour can be very tacky.

Network.

Take the opportunity to chat with co-workers and managers you may not normally have access to. You might be surprised at what opportunities you discover in your own working environment.

Executive and Career Coach, Caroline Cameron from Possibility to Reality, says the office Christmas Party is a great event to create a positive impression.  “Colleagues and managers from other areas tend to be more relaxed and open at the office Christmas Party.  Networking is all about letting people know how you can help them achieve their goals.  Listen intently and find ways to link your skills and experience to what they need, in a relaxed way that demonstrates your integrity.  Remember to follow up potential opportunities personally, when everyone’s back on deck in January.”

Respect your co-workers.

No matter what you feel, an office party is not a situation to talk about things that are better left unsaid. Avoid gossip, talking about medical problems, money matters, getting involved with ‘in-house’ shoptalk, or telling jokes of an inappropriate nature.

Above all, enjoy yourself and don’t look bored. Make sure you have thanked the people who organised the event before you leave, and leave on a positive note, after speeches and presentations have been made.

For more information, contact Julie Hyne on 0433114841
www.juliehyneimagestylist.com.au
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  • Office parties are such a mixed bag.

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  • I’m no longer in the work force so I don’t have to stress about office Christmas party etiquette. Thank goodness

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  • Don’t look bored and don’t drink too much!

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  • LOL after attending many of my hubby’s office parties there is always a story or two happening the next day and memories from us who don’t drink LOL

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  • I never bothered with the Office parties, too much gossip going on after the event.

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  • Interesting reading. I have been to office parties where the bosses have been out of control not the employees. ha ha

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  • I have to admit, I never went to an office party of any kind

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  • Hmm.. I never really liked office Xmas parties… I usually got out of it by saying I was doing something for my bday.. My bday is in early Dec:)

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  • Alcohol and work parties never mix!

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  • The Christmas party it a great thing to go to, but don’t drink to much, as you have to work with them the next day

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  • Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed reading it.

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  • How rude is this – friend went to office chrissy party, they all had a few, at the end of the night they were asked to sign a chit allowing cost of drinks etc to be deducted from their pay….


    • Wow have never heard of this happening before, very rude.

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  • never had this awkwardness at my last job everyone was already so close anyway

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  • Interesting to read – thanks for sharing.

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  • It’s avoid way to bring a workforce closer together and for employers to show appreciation but I’d leave the serious drinking and partying for a different time!


    • *its a good way….damn autocorrect!

    Reply

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