There’s a reason “embarrassing photos of the Christmas party” have become a recurring element in movies and TV shows with office settings. While an office party is, on paper, a time to unwind and have some fun with your coworkers, it is, in reality, a minefield of awkward social gaffs and potential career crashers. Don’t give that jerk from accounting the chance to take a compromising picture of you; follow these tips to survive the night.
- Avoid gossip. It’ll almost definitely make its way back to whoever the subject of it is, which will almost definitely land you in hot water.
- Don’t talk about how drunk you are. That’s tantamount to wearing a signboard that says “I am not in my right mind and will do or say any stupid thing anyone asks of me.”
- Don’t tell any coworkers if you’ve ever had a crush on them. Just… don’t.
- Don’t talk promotions and bonuses with the boss. They’re here to relax and have fun, just like you, and they don’t want to talk about business.
- Don’t talk about how much you hate your coworkers. That’s a great way to earn yourself an enemy for life, doubly so if you’re talking about the boss.
- Don’t talk about quitting or job searching. If you hate your job so much, why did you come to the party? Don’t be a downer.
- Don’t be a brown-noser. A little schmoozing is fine, but networking with coworkers/the boss/executives should be secondary to the party.
