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6 Tips Office Holiday Party | Party Etiquette | Etiquette & Protocol Training

Be Savvy, Not Sorry at your Holiday Party

‘Tis the season for the office holiday party. It’s a great place to have fun with coworkers and mingle with the higher ups. But,  etiquette and professionalism still matter at the office holiday party. After all, it’s still a work event. And you’re being observed by coworkers, upper management and possibly clients and board members.

If you have an invitation in your mail box or Inbox for a workplace holiday party, you can “let the good times roll” without a New Year full of regrets.

Here are 6 tips for being savvy, not sorry, at the office holiday party:

  1. RSVP. Whether your invitation is the traditional print type or an electronic version, it’s important to respond promptly by phoning the number given or emailing to the address listed. Then, honor your commitment.
  2. Make an appearance. Even if you can’t stay for the entire time, do show up. Your attendance conveys respect to your boss and executive team and loyalty to your company.
  3. Meet and greet. It’s polite to greet those you know. But, circulate and get to know co-workers from other departments and floors. Introduce yourself and your guest. Make small talk by asking others about their holiday or travel plans. Avoid talking “shop,” sharing office gossip or complaining about the food, your boss or the company.
  4. Dress appropriately. An office party is still a professional event. Holiday attire can be festive without being too revealing. Women, for example,  may wear a suit with a sleeveless sparkly top to work, then remove the jacket for the party. Men, depending on your office culture and the party culture, dig out that battery-operated Rudolph neck tie!
  5. Maintain professionalism. Food and drink are major parts of the party. But, don’t let your guard down. Just because it’s called a party doesn’t mean that an open bar is an invitation to overly imbibe. After one or two drinks, switch to something non-alcoholic. Then, you won’t need to worry about  apologizing for any compromised conduct the next day at work.
  6. Show appreciation. Before you leave, locate your hosts, thank them, and say goodbye. To stand out even more, send a handwritten thank you note the next day. After all, the office party is often a “gift” from the company to its employees. And, a note of thanks will be appreciated by the higher-ups and help you to be remembered in a positive way.

So, be savvy and not sorry at the office holiday party. These tips will help you have fun and still make a great impression.

You may also like to read How to Eat and Drink at the Office Holiday Party.

Thinking about your company’s professional development options for next year?

A licensed business etiquette consultant, trainer and speaker, Rachel Wagner helps organizations and individuals position themselves as savvy, consummate professionals and professional organizations. She advises clients on business etiquette and business dining etiquette to empower them to represent their company’s brand, reputation and image with excellence. She has worked with public and private sector clients in a variety of industries since 2007.