Holiday Office Party Survival Tips

The year is coming to an end, and it’s the time when coworkers come together and celebrate their hard work at the best event of the year: the office holiday party. This is the perfect time to get to know coworkers and connect in an out-of-office setting. But, just because you’re not sitting at your desk doesn’t mean you’re out drinking with college buddies – be sure to keep Business Insider’s top survival tips in mind so you won't lose your head and reputation at this year’s holiday bash.

Dress code

Make sure your holiday attire of choice is still appropriate for the party’s dress code, stated or unstated. If there isn’t a formal dress code, ask the party planner what he or she will be wearing, or ask a few trusted coworkers. If you’re truly at a loss, err on the side of caution and avoid anything too scandalous. Also keep in mind that even though you may be drinking, maintain your decorum and behavior code. Harassment rules still apply at the office party, no matter how casual it is.

Eat before

You don’t have to stuff yourself but eat a significant snack or small meal before heading out for your office party. That way, you’ll have something in your stomach if you’re sipping on a cocktail and you won’t be ravenous if the food is delayed or you’re pulled aside by your boss to meet someone important. You don’t want to be wolfing down cheese and crackers when you’re trying to make a good impression.

At least swing by

Even if you hate people, and especially parties, make sure to stop by the office party for at least thirty minutes. Despite how frivolous parties may seem, they’re a great opportunity to meet new people and attending shows you’re committed to the company culture.

Be fashionably late

Avoid being the first person at the party. For one, no one wants to be that guy or girl that is wandering around, desperately hoping someone shows up. For another, showing up later ensures you don’t have extra time to drink that first drink just a little too fast or demolish the better part of an appetizer platter before the party has really started.

Don’t discuss business

It’s natural that work will come up at a party full of coworkers, but don’t come into the party with an agenda. Don’t ask about your eligibility for promotions or raises, because it makes you look tacky. Also, avoid office gossip at all costs. Not only will it reflect badly if the wrong person hears, but alcohol is likely to encourage looser lips.

Be sensitive

Keep in mind that your coworkers may be celebrating holidays other than Christmas. It’s in your best interest to avoid subjects that may make others feel uncomfortable based on their various religious affiliations.

Know your limits

Know how much alcohol you can handle, before you find yourself scaling the drain pipe outside claiming you’re Santa looking for the chimney. If you’re really unsure about how many drinks is too many, consider ordering a drink you don’t like so you’re forced to sip it slowly throughout the night.

Don’t be the last to leave

Even though it seems like a good idea at the time, it may not be a good idea to stay too late. You don’t want to earn the reputation as the office’s party animal or be around your superiors when you’re too drunk. If you do get too intoxicated, call a cab immediately.

Don’t go for the third venue

Your coworkers may want to go to a second place after the party, and that’s probably fine, but if someone suggests going to a third venue, Business Insider strongly recommends skipping it, because “by the time you make it to that third venue, the vibe has changed. It’s no longer the ‘happy hour’ crowd. It’s now the ‘let’s rage’ crowd. At this moment—as a working adult—you need to make a choice. The moment your colleagues see you in a compromising position, they will likely view you differently. Is that a risk you want to take?”

Don’t skip work the next day

If your office party is during the work week, it’s crucial that you make it in the next day, especially if you were intoxicated at the party. If you aren’t in the office, everyone will know why, including your boss.