Don’t Do This At The Office Holiday Party
Holiday Party Poopers
by
Lisa Collins, JD SPHR
www.theCubicleCoach.com

#1 Don't Get Drunk: Unless you work for Jim Beam then getting sauced at your company party is one of the worst things you can do to ruin your image. Companies are starting to limit drink tickets to two per person. There is a good reason why. If an employee gets intoxicated and drives home and causes some tragic accident, the company will pay dearly in money and negative publicity. If your party is at a private residence, then the host is likely to be responsible for any drunken mishap that evening. If you think you may have had too much to drink take the company up on any taxi service or ride home. One night of a lack of self control can lead to a ruined career or life.

#2 You flirt with (fill in the blank): With alcohol flowing freely employees lose their inhibitions and the sexual advances begin to fly. Employees often think that because you are not at work then the work rules do not apply. This is not true. Holiday parties are company sponsored events so ALL of the work rules apply including federal sexual harassment regulations. Ladies this applies to you too – no flirting.

#3 Skin is NOT in: An evening with co-workers is fun but don’t throw your professional work image to the wind. Ladies should be not show cleavage or wear short miniskirts or anything ultra tight. Gentlemen leave your purple pinstripe suit at home. Do not go to the other extreme and wear baggy jeans with holes either. Your evening should be memorable but not the talk of office gossip on Monday morning and leering stares. This is not a Lady Ga Ga concert.

Advice: Be responsible, you can have fun but work rules still apply, so behave like you would at work.