Day 12 - The office party

Christmas comes but once a year which is just as well given that it is reliably accompanied by the highest-risk event in anyone’s social calendar, the Office Christmas Party. For one night only, the mild-mannered people you work alongside all year are magically transformed into funny-hatted revellers, blowing squeaky things, pulling crackers and boogieing perilously between career self-destruction and shameless self-advancement on the disco dance floor. The tricky bit is that you then have to spend all next year working alongside them once more.

Denise Torres | Dreamstime.com

Recent research by recruitment firm Amrop Battalia Winston reveals a record drop in the number of US firms pushing out the seasonal boat this year. Perhaps American employees aren’t too bothered. Another survey by another recruitment firm, Randstad US, revealed that given the choice 93% would prefer more cash to a Christmas party. But we Brits seem determined to have a good time – bad times or good, and a small industry of specialist party planners and hospitality consultants has sprung up to ensure we do. It’s a serious business having fun. One leading Christmas party agency turns over £5.5 million a year. With a design and production team that can handle up to 1200 guests per event they offer a total Xmas experience ranging from ‘A Merry Murder Mystery’ (a knife in the back at the office?) to the inevitable artificial-snow-strewn ‘Winter Wonderland’ and beyond.

But both employers and employees need to tread carefully through the tinsel on such occasions. Even if off the premises, and outside working hours, the office party remains an extension of the workplace – so equal opportunities for having fun apply. It’s a chance to relax and socialise, but not to the point where anyone feels embarrassed or intimidated.

A good tip for organisers is to avoid a free bar. Instead, provide wine with the meal or hand out a limited number of free-drinks vouchers in advance. This way you don’t end up looking like Ebenezer Scrooge while still keeping the lid on alcoholic excess and its unfortunate consequences. Another top tip is to choose a venue of the right size for the number of guests so it looks full and bustling.

Finally here are five golden rules to prevent your office party-going from turning Christmas into Cringefest. As with anything workwise, a spot of forward planning pays dividends:

1. Get there on time and know how you are getting home. Pre-booked taxis are a good way to demonstrate your savoir faire to colleagues.
2. Find out what people are wearing, and dress to fit in. If in doubt, aim at the ritzier end of your wardrobe. Probably not the best time to sport your dayglo Christmas sweater, or that cheeky little see-thru number.
3. Be sociable. Mingle with as many people as you can – excellent team work is always appreciated at times like this.
4. Know your limits. Try alternating alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks through the evening. You’ll have more fun, and remember it more clearly.
5. Should things take a romantic turn for you on the night, play it cool. What seems a good idea at the time may look rather different the morning after (see rule 4).

And a Merry Christmas One and All!