Page 30 - Office VIBES® Magalogue Winter Issue

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With more and more companies insisting on employees returning to the workplace for some or all of the week, it is likely that a Christmas party will be on the horizon.
For some this is the perfect opportunity to let their hair down and celebrate the festive season. For others, who perhaps enjoyed the less social aspect of pandemic working, it is a dreaded time of the year. Whether it be a black tie event, an evening of Karaoke, a pub crawl or a more sedate lunch in a local restaurant, it is usually fuelled by alcohol and therefore a risk to all careers. A 2018 survey conducted for hangover supplement makers After Drink found that 9% of British workers had been fired or disciplined due to their Christmas party conduct.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy themselves on the company dime, have some fun with colleagues and raise a glass to successes
in 2023? It is worth remembering that you are still on the company clock and therefore a certain standard of conduct is expected. Alcohol can set people free from their 9-5 inhibitions so before you decide it’s a good idea to dance on a table or get a little too cosy with a crush, check yourself as you don’t want to be left with nothing but a hangover and regrets the following morning. Make a pact with your closer team mates that you all look out for each other and if they tell you that something isn’t a good idea then you promise to comply.
It’s also a time to avoid anyone who you are not on the best terms with, gossips and management if you are on the tipsy side. Loose lips can easily come back to haunt you even if whatever you said was well intentioned at the time. Steer well clear of company rumours, politics, religion and anything else that may cause controversy
or misinterpretation. It can kill off good working relationships and possibly even your career if not everyone agrees with what you believe to be a bit of witty banter.
In a social media world, it is also worth remembering that you are never far away from someone who loves nothing more than taking photos and videos. If you don’t want to end up as a YouTube hit or the topic of conversation on the company WhatsApp group, don’t do it.
A Christmas party should be fun and you should enjoy it. Indulge in plenty of food and water during the evening and book a taxi home in advance to avoid that last drink was a good idea syndrome.
Source: ft.com