Year-end party survival guide: What not to do at your office function
Remember that the year-end party is still a work function.
Image: Freepik / lookstudio
Is your company’s year-end function coming up?
Yes, it’s that time of the year when companies set a day, or maybe just a few hours, aside to thank their staff for their hard work throughout the year.
Whether it’s a few pizzas and a couple of beers or a full-on all-you-can-eat and open bar kind of party, it’s the one occasion where everyone in the business, from the CEO to the tea lady, can let their hair down and get to know each other outside of the work space.
Now, I’ve had my fair share of office parties to know that they can be great fun, but they can get a bit out of hand.
There’s the colleague who turns into a completely different person when the alcohol kicks in, and then there’s the one who feels it’s the perfect occasion to declare their undying love to the HR manager.
While these parties are meant to be fun, they can quickly turn into career suicide.
Be mindful of how much you drink at these parties.
Image: Freepik
If you want to make it through the office party without ruining your reputation or facing a disastrous hearing, there are a few basic rules you need to follow.
Mindset and mindfulness coach Awande Mabaso took to TikTok to share what you should avoid doing at your year-end office party.
Right at the top of her list is alcohol consumption.
“Limit the drinking. One to two drinks max and no shots,” she advises.
She then goes on to share a rule that people might find odd, and that’s to be mindful of the food you dish up and not take food away with you.
“Number three. Don’t go to the after-party,” she continues.
She reminds people that just because things happen at the after-party, it doesn’t mean that they stay at the after-party.
Another rule, and this one should be a general rule, is not to “gossip or beef” with people in public.
“Don’t shag anyone or their partners,” she adds, quoting her sister.
Once again, she reminds people that it is a work-related function where you don’t want to do anything that people will be talking about when you go back to work.
The following rule should be followed no matter where you are.
Don’t film people without their consent.
While it’s normal for people to want to take pictures and videos, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that some people might not want to show up in videos.
Dressing appropriately and not being the last to leave the party are other rules she added to the list.
Marketing and brand strategist Lebo Lion warns people to be mindful of the fact that “your company is not your family.”
When you’re at the party, you should make sure your behaviour is “PG”.
“Think Toy Story. Think Winnie the Pooh. Think ‘If I were at my child’s kiddies party with all the other parents and need to keep up a good image,” she advises.
As Mabaso mentioned above, she too suggests drinking in moderation and leaving the party early so that you don’t get involved with any “mess.”
While some of these rules might sound strict, they really are a way to safeguard yourself.
Now go out there and enjoy your well-deserved year-end party, but remember to do so responsibly.