Office Party Etiquette

For guys, a party means booze, dance and food, and for girls, a party means makeup, dressing up, and gossip. Basically, a party means no rules and all fun, but office parties are little bit different in that regard. You can have fun at office parties, but it has certain boundaries too, and those boundaries are known as office party etiquette. This article will help you to act properly at your office parties.

To Go or Not to Go
Please do not even consider not going to the party unless you have a very genuine reason for it. If you don't go to the party, you might severely hamper your image. An office party is an opportunity for developing new friendships at the workplace, and every such opportunity should be grabbed with both hands.

The Attire
Generally, office parties are immediately after work hours, so you will have little time to get all dressed up. You have to look relaxed and professional, yet neat and pulled together. Business casual attire is best suited for such a situation. For men, it is expected that they wear a shirt and cotton pants. It is recommended that you wear anything that can accommodate a tie. For women, it is expected that they wear informal dresses with an appropriate skirt length. Basically, wear business casual attire to your office parties. But if your office party has a theme, then choose an attire that is in accordance with the office party theme idea.

The Date
Normally, it is expected that you do come alone to an office party. Read the office party invitation wordings carefully. If it is specifically mentioned that you can bring a date, only then think of bringing the date. Else, treat this as a formal occasion and proceed accordingly.

The Conversation
While having any conversation at an office party, there are a few things you have to keep in mind. Keep the bad talking habits in check. Listen as well as speak. Do not give the impression that you are always chattering away or just keeping it to yourself. You can lessen the degree of formality when you are well into a conversation, but never be completely informal as well. Always stick to safe topics of conversation, especially when you are speaking with a colleague for the first time. Do not get involved in debates as it might ruin the ambiance of the party. An office party can be an opportunity to have a healthy and meaningful conversation with your colleagues, so do not waste it.

The Mingling
Try to mingle with as many people as possible. Get to know other people in your office. Share your experience with other people and try to grasp their point of view as well. If you are not a mingling sort of person, then try to befriend a guy who is sitting in a corner and not talking to anyone. Chances are that he will have the same point of view as you.

The Food
Die-hard foodies like you and me can have a strong urge to hog on whatever there is on the buffet table. But this is not such a good etiquette. Always keep moderation in mind, as far as food and drink are concerned. Even while having alcohol, remember that you have to keep your wits about. Office parties are a chance to build relationships with your colleagues and superiors alike; so acting brashly under the influence of alcohol can have a serious impact on you career.

The Hugs and Kisses
An office party can be an excellent place to tell a co-worker that you like him/her. But I must tell you one thing, sexual harassment laws do apply to office parties as well. You can be a little bit cheesy, but do avoid all the naughty stuff. This is for your own good.

The Opportunities
Generally, it is the boss who throws an office party. Take this opportunity to go and build a camaraderie with him. Thank him for the party and compliment him for the delicious food. Caution to the wind must be thrown over here. Do not try too hard to make an impression or you will end up making a negative impression. Try to meet those superiors whom you haven't had a chance to talk to, but take care that you don't monopolies the time with your boss. Let others also have some conversation time with him.

When You Leave
Leaving early will only make it too apparent that you are bored at the party. Stay for an appropriate amount of time. When you do decide to leave, thank your host for the delicious food, amazing environment, and how great the office party games for adults were. Try to be as graceful as possible when you are leaving the party.

Office parties are a great way to relax with your workplace buddies and bond with your superiors as well. But these parties do require some etiquette, and they have to be followed to make a good impression. I hope that the above article has helped you in understanding office party etiquette better.