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Employees Just Want to Have Fun
"MENLO PARK, Calif.-- Most professionals attend year-end office bashes to have fun -- not to hobnob with the higher-ups, a new survey by The Creative Group shows. Some 39% of workers polled said their primary purpose at holiday gatherings is to have a good time, compared with 3% who go to impress their managers. But in their quest to enjoy themselves, some workers may go overboard. When asked to describe the most unusual behavior they've observed at holiday parties, nearly one in five respondents recalled colleagues who had a few cocktails too many.Those surveyed were asked, "When you attend an office holiday gathering, what is your primary purpose?" Their responses:Have fun (39%)Get to know coworkers better (27%)Enjoy complimentary food and drinks (12%)Make a good impression on your boss (3%)Feel that it is expected (3%) "Office parties are the best time to network and show others in your office, especially your boss, that you are a team player," said Mary Morris Hutchison, founder of Etiquette Essentials, a series pf business etiquette and professional image training programs based in Columbus, Ohio. "Office parties should not be considered solely as a social event. It is not the place to show your true colors. It should be considered more as a great place to network and build business relationships."When asked, "What's the most unusual behavior you've observed at your office holiday party?" 19% of the respondents to The Creative Group survey cited coworkers who had too much to drink. Here are some other responses:"A guy danced on the table in a chicken suit.""A woman loaded her purse with hors d'oeuvres.""Someone threw another guest in a swimming pool.""The president of the company dressed as a cow.""The party offered a hypnotist, and some coworkers started acting like monkeys.""A guy climbed up a telephone pole.""We were hitting a pinata, and someone got whacked with the stick.""A woman wore a transparent dress.""People had a water balloon fight.""Someone threw a drink at another person.""Year-end parties are meant to be fun, but they're still work events and reflect on an employee's level of professionalism," said Tracey Fuller, executive director of The Creative Group. "Inappropriate behavior can make a lasting negative impression that's hard to overcome."In fact, Hutchison's No. 1 rule for serious team players in the business arena is to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages at office parties. "Drinking alcohol at office parties presents a host of problems that can hinder enjoying the event and making a good impression with the people in your network," she said. "It alters one's behavior and it's difficult to have just one drink and stop. And unless one goes to the party with a designated driver, getting home safely can pose even more serious problems."Fuller offers these tips for successfully navigating a year-end office event:Mingle. Use the party to build rapport with coworkers outside of your typical circle. Come with conversation-starters in mind, such as asking people about their holiday plans or whether they've made any New Year's resolutions. Avoid potentially sensitive topics like politics and religion, and don't engage in too much shop talk.Stick to your limit. When alcoholic beverages are offered, don't overindulge. If it's a cocktail party, consider eating before the event, so you can focus on socializing rather than snacking.Smile. Smiling will encourage others to stop and chat with you.Don't take a wet blanket. If you're allowed to bring a guest, don't invite someone who would rather not be there. It's better to go alone than with a person who clearly dislikes these types of occasions.Take pictures. Snapping photos can be a good way to mingle. You can share pictures with your coworkers when you're back in the office.Know when to go. When others prepare to leave, you should do the same. Be sure to thank the host and any coworkers who helped organize the event. If you must leave early, notify your host beforehand.Etiquette Essentials' Hutchinson offers still more tips:Even if you don't want to attend the party, go anyway. It's one of the best ways to announce to everyone that you're a true team player. Consider it as part of "dancing the dance" as you climb the corporate ladder. If you can't afford the time to stay for the entire event, go for at least an hour to network with the people that you don't ordinarily talk to at work.Wear acceptable attire. Even if the party invitation states "casual attire," make sure that what you are wearing is just as acceptable as if you were at the office during regular business hours. Eat something before going to the party. You don't want to overeat and leave the impression that you came to the party just for the food. When you arrive at the party, greet the host or the person that planned the party. Thank him or her for inviting you.Refrain from mingling too close with love interests. One of the most common occurrences after the office party is the gossip at the water cooler the next day. A serious team player should never be the topic of negative office gossip.Send a thank-you note to the host or the party planner the next day. Not only will the people in your office remember your behavior at the party, but you will also stand out from the rest after the party, as they will long remember your thoughtfulness.Visit The Creative Group: www.creativegroup.com Visit Etiquette Essentials: www.etiquetteessentials.com "