{"id":1408,"date":"2017-03-02T09:15:35","date_gmt":"2017-03-02T09:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydoorsign.com\/blog\/?p=1408"},"modified":"2019-12-03T09:22:30","modified_gmt":"2019-12-03T09:22:30","slug":"survive-even-enjoy-office-holiday-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydoorsign.com/blog\/survive-even-enjoy-office-holiday-party\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Tis the season for awkward interactions: How to survive the office holiday party"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some offices put the awkward interactions on \u201cThe Office\u201d to shame<\/a>. For employees at Dunder Mifflin-wannabe companies, the current season brings with it the dreaded holiday party, an event that\u2019s fun in theory, and often the opposite in practice.<\/p>\n

But office parties can <\/i>be fun! Follow a few simple guidelines, and spare yourself the awkwardness this year. Below, our answers to some commonly-asked questions about the office holiday party.<\/p>\n

\"From<\/a>

An office holiday party in 1962. From Seattle Municipal Archives<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

How many drinks are acceptable? <\/b><\/p>\n

If you do drink, keep in mind that even a small nip can affect your judgement, says etiquette guru Peter Post<\/a>. Expert Robin Abrahams suggests imbibing a single rum and Coke or gin and tonic, then switching over to alcohol-free Coke or tonic for the rest of the evening, so that \u201cno one will know how much you’re not drinking,\u201d which is especially helpful in workplaces with a heavy drinking culture.<\/p>\n

Grubstreet posted a humorous guide to drinking at the office party, sorted by \u201ccool\u201d and \u201cuncool\u201d companies, available here. (How can you spot a cool company? One sign is that you and your boss have discussed hangovers in the past. An uncool company? \u201cYou had to take a drug test before you were hired,\u201d specifies the blog.) Their takeaway: Interns should drink the least, if at all, while “cogs in the machine” can drink the most.<\/p>\n

\"office<\/a>

Set a drink limit for yourself if you think over indulging could be a problem. From ataraxis.<\/p><\/div>\n

In all seriousness, though, consider skipping booze altogether or imposing a one-drink maximum when interacting with anyone who is even remotely connected to someone with the power to fire, hire, or formally complain about you. It\u2019s harder to offend while sober than while drunk.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m new to the company. What should I wear? <\/b><\/p>\n

Ask a coworker or the event organizer what the party was like last year. If it\u2019s taking place right after work, it\u2019s likely that your usual garb will suffice. But be sure to ask around first. Is there a theme? If everyone is in a Santa suit, your business casual jeans-and-tee will draw unwanted attention.<\/p>\n

What do we even talk about? <\/b><\/p>\n

Arrive with a few general interest topics in mind: competitors\u2019 mergers, popular TV shows, travel plans, kids\u2019 accomplishments. Office parties aren’t meant to be ragers, mixers, or singles dances; they\u2019re meant to boost employee morale. Having a few inoffensive topics in mind helps take off the pressure \u2014 and perhaps they\u2019ll even resurface if you break the zero-to-one-drink rule. You don\u2019t need to focus solely on work, but if you partake in any particularly unusual or potentially divisive hobbies, you might leave those off the table.<\/p>\n

Do I \u2014 gulp \u2014 karaoke? <\/b><\/p>\n

Etiquette expert Robin Abrahams offers the Boston Globe a resounding yes. \u201cIt’s just good office politics…It shows you’re a team player and not excessively risk-averse.\u201d Same goes for bowling and other \u201cteam building\u201d fun.<\/p>\n

Can I bring a date? <\/b><\/p>\n

Unless you\u2019re expressly invited to bring a date, and have confirmed that others will be doing so as well, don\u2019t do it.The rule applies to friends and children as well as romantic partners.<\/p>\n

Should I present my holiday gifts at the party? <\/b><\/p>\n

No — save those for when you have alone time with your coworkers, supervisor, etc. Don\u2019t risk making others feel excluded, as you\u2019ll run the risk of them carrying a resentment over into the workplace.<\/p>\n

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