Scrooge, take a seat. Even with weak economy, it sounds like a majority of companies still plan to hold holiday parties this year, according to a report released by Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
The study reported that nearly 68% of businesses reported that they still plan to throw a year-end event, down of course from the pre-recession period of 2007, when about 90% of companies surveyed had such plans. Even it f the slow economy has left some companies with little reason to celebrate, many refuse to abandon the holiday party, perhaps as one small way to demonstrate appreciation for employees’ hard work throughout the year. To help keep control on expenses, 60% of those surveyed said they will cut down on the guest list by limiting attendance to employees only
I wanted to offer some suggestions having had the pleasure of being in a wide range of these events in my work career.
It’s Still Work:
The most important thing is to remember it’s still a work function – it’s not just your friends gathering for a good time. So you should act in a professional manner. Stay away from the cocktail station. I would think that by now most people have figured out that the annual holiday party isn’t an opportunity to get sloppy drunk (although almost half of the companies surveyed said they plan to offer alcohol at their holiday event) or paw your favorite co-worker. In fact, few things can derail your career faster than acting inappropriately at such a work event.
Dress Professionally
Wear something a bit more festive than you might wear to work, but more conservative than what you would wear to a nightclub. For women, this is not the time to show up with a super low-cut blouse or a skirt cut up to your hip. Some “experts” even suggest avoiding wearing all black. I’m not a fashion expert on that but I can tell you that if your event is a more formal gathering, and you plop down in some of those strapless dresses I’ve seen, you almost will look naked to anyone sitting across the table from you. I’m not sure that’s the kind of impression you are looking for is it?
Men, if it’s a more formal gathering, consider getting a new tie. That one you haven’t worn in a year of more looks like you picked it up at the Salvation Army. The more festive ones are ok, but don’t go too far.
Bottom line: keep an air of professionalism in mind when you choose your attire.
Speak to the Big Bosses
Use the office party as an opportunity to rub elbows with executives at your company with whom you don’t usually. While it’s always easier to just go mingle with your buds, or spend the night sending out tweets, get out of your comfort zone and use the party as a chance to have the upper level executives learn who you are, even put a face to your name. Most of those senior level people got those jobs on a combination of skills, the ability to communicate with others, and develop relationships. They enjoy casual interactions with the rest of the staff.
Introduce yourself on a personal level and asking about hobbies or interests. A little reconnaissance before the event to decide which execs you’re eager to chat with and anything you could mention in the conversation. It could range anywhere from how their college football team is doing (most executive profiles have their academic info on them), or hobbies they have (what kinds of things do they have in their office – that stuffed bass they caught last year, or the golf ball from a hole-in-one). Though it can seem intimidating, a quick chat during the holiday party can go a long way toward establishing a work relationship. You are never going to be closer to senior executives at the office because they’re so busy, than you are at an event like this. It is a key opportunity. Take advantage of it.
Keep it Casual
No matter who you end up speaking to, this isn’t a business meeting. This is the one time to keep the conversation casual and avoid talking shop. Instead, get into lighter topics such as an upcoming vacation, wedding or holiday plans. The holiday party is not the place to complain about your boss, pitch your next great idea, or even lobby for your next promotion. There’s plenty of time for that latter.
And I’m amazing I would even have to remind people of this but, avoid gossip or your uncle’s favorite off-color jokes. Sure, we’re all human. We want to have fun, but be mindful that it’s still a company event. There’s still a level of professionalism you must maintain.
Don’t be a Bummer, Man
There’s a lot of gloom and doom in the news these days, and perhaps even at your company as well. Try to push away the dark clouds for the duration of the party with a sunny attitude. No one wants to work with someone who is a downer. You want to appear as an upbeat, positive, can-do type of person.
Prep Your Date/Spouse/Significant Other
First off, be sure you are suppose to be brings a guest. Smaller parties may mean that spouses and partners are not included in the festivities, even if they have been in years past. If you’re not sure if you can bring a guest, definitely ask.
If you are bringing someone, even if you say all the right things when schmoozing, your date may slip up. Before the party, simply let your date know who’s who, good topics to discuss or issues to avoid completely. If it’s not someone you know well, I would suggest you avoid bringing a date altogether.
Thank the Hosts
Don’t treat the holiday party as a given. Show the organizers you appreciate their efforts by thanking them before you leave. Yes, many companies have cut back on these extravagant expenses, so if you have a company party, you should be thankful. At smaller companies, a more formal way of thanking the hosts such as a handwritten note or direct email after can show you’re enthusiastic to be part of the firm.
And after all that, have some fun (if you can). Merry Christmas….
