Complaints taboo at office parties

Most people look forward to Christmas and the festivities around it as an opportunity to demonstrate friendship, loyalty and trust. It doesn’t matter what creed or culture people come from, the Christmas party is a good time for colleagues to get to know each other a bit better. The main guidelines are to make sure that there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages there and not to allow guests to treat the event as an excuse for an all out booze-up.

What sort of a party?: It is a party so it needs to be fun. It is not to be endured but enjoyed. Now that’s the challenge given the mix of people that are likely to be there. Set a budget and set the parametres and recognise the traditions – people, staff and management need to know what is expected

Who to invite: Invitation only is best for "all found" events while if the party is one that guests and friends can buy into it will have a different sort of audience. If you can afford to go ‘invitation only’ then try to invite partners as well to reward staff.

The Ethos: What is the style of the event? — What is the ethos of the organisation, is spending on this likely to offend staff and shareholders or is it expected as part of the status of the organisation.

Formal/Informal: It is still a company event and there must be a clear definition between the formal and the informal sections. The usual way is by the speeches. Once there has been a toast of thanks to the staff for all their hard work the informalities and dancing can begin.

Departure?: When it is proper for the management to leave a party. The answer is that they should stay a while but not completely to the end. It is best to leave 60-90 minutes before the end of the event. So book the taxi and ones for the other senior clients and managers as well.

For the guest — Is the office party a chore or a good thing?

It’s the annual chore: If you think it is a chore then the best approach is to think of a worse chore and be pleased to be there. Find something good in the event otherwise your body language will shout your views to everyone else present. You have to go so be well mannered, be a sport and think happy thoughts. Enjoy the company, and enjoy the free food.

Prepare well: As for all social events have some safe topics of conversation about current affairs ready. Research the guest list and learn something, at least about the key guests.

Safety: Agree with a co-worker that they will be your "safe friend" for the event. That is you can each go to or be available for the other at any time.

Leaving: Know how you are getting home, if you change your plans tell someone.

Stuck for conversation: Take something interesting that can be a conversation topic. A hat/cap, jewelery or an item of clothing!

Avoiding difficult people: When/if you are approached by a co-worker with a lame chat up line, be polite, at least they are trying. Have a normal conversation and then move on to a safe friend. It is best to set up this arrangement with a friend in advance. Enjoying the company of co-workers does not mean you have to put up with poor behaviour from the office menace no matter what their rank or status is. If someone is in your personal space and you find it unpleasant, you can gently try asking then to move away. If that fails then move back to your safe friend again.

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol, even at the office party is largely becoming un-cool now due to the general realisation of its inappropriateness when driving home etc. Not drinking too much alcohol will help you to keep a clear head and cope with any rude individual effectively. The office party is not an excuse for binge drinking.

Networking: Work the room. The chances are that many of the people there are equally apprehensive about the event and will very much welcome safe and interesting conversation. In this case you will have to introduce yourself to strangers and you should always make your role in the organisation clear at the same time. The office party is not the time to moan or complain about the working conditions or the staff. It is an opportunity to socialise with co-workers, but of course remember you have to work with them again tomorrow.

Flirting: To flirt or not to flirt? It’s simple, save flirting for when you really mean it.