Work Christmas party etiquette: The dos and don’ts of appropriate attendance

Ah, the end-of-year holidays. Heralding the start of the “silly season”, warmer weather (unless you’re from Melbourne), and an abundance of fun and festivities, Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

While some of our workplaces go all out celebrating another year of hard work, organising fancy venues, catering packages, and decorations sourced from Christmas wholesale suppliers Australia, others might have somewhat more subdued end-of-year get-togethers, especially in this economy.

But whether your office Christmas function is booked for the local bowling alley or taking place in a glitzy ballroom, there’s a certain unspoken etiquette that party attendees must adhere to. Stay with us as we take you through the dos and don’ts of appropriate work Christmas party behaviour.

What to do at a work function: The correct way to show up at Christmas

Dress appropriately: Adhering to the dress code

Irrespective of where your work Christmas party is taking place (whether that’s a mini-golf course, a fancy restaurant, or the pub down the street), it’s important to stick to the dress code. Dressing appropriately for your work ‘do is essential, as it demonstrates respect both for your colleagues and for yourself.

While it’s only natural to want to look our best, it’s best to avoid excessively short skirts and dresses, or low-cut tops. For the guys, wearing appropriate footwear (avoiding your worn-out summer thongs) and a collared shirt (depending on the vibe and venue) is always a good idea.

Stay social: Maintaining a pleasant demeanour

A work Christmas party is the perfect place to get to know your colleagues a little better.

Keep the conversation light, though: it’s best to avoid heavy topics or controversial themes that could offend, such as politics or religion, for example.

The “Irish exit”: Knowing when it’s time to call it a night

In this writer’s humble opinion, there’s nothing wrong with an “Irish exit”, especially when it’s done right. Exiting the party early and without commotion is far from rude: if anything, it’s more polite to slip away quietly instead of causing a ruckus.

Of course, the key to a successful Irish exit is knowing when to call it a night. If you’re starting to feel tired, a little too intoxicated, or if you’re simply not feeling the vibe anymore, it’s time to part ways with the party.

What not to do: Christmas party antics to avoid

Don’t be “that guy”: Avoiding excessive inebriation

Yes, we’ve all seen it: the guy who drinks too much at the Christmas party. Falling over himself, causing a scene, and making others around him uncomfortable; don’t be that guy.

Our tip? Alternate your wines with water. For every alcoholic beverage you consume, try to have a glass of water in between. This will keep your intoxication levels in check and help you avoid embarrassing yourself by being overly tipsy.

Dodge drama: Staying away from gossip and bad vibes

Making an effort to bond, be social and engage in light conversation with your teammates is arguably the most important part of attending an office Christmas party. That being said, it’s always best to avoid drama and bad vibes. There’s a time and place for gossip girls, and your end-of-year work function isn’t it.

If you find yourself involved in a conversation that’s making you feel uncomfortable, you’re well within your rights to politely excuse yourself. Instead, choose to engage with colleagues who are not gossiping or causing drama.

Final thoughts

Our final tip? Be sure to actually enjoy the party and be present with your teammates. End-of-year parties are a great time to get a little loose and reward ourselves for the last twelve months of hard work.

So, let your hair down (within reason, of course), and allow yourself to enjoy the festivities and celebrate the year’s achievements with your team.