Office party: 5 commandments to help you avoid sabotaging your job in one night

CAREERS

It’s the end of year and most workplaces are winding down, giving employees a chance to let their hair down.

This means one thing for many offices: party time! Year-end functions are a corporate culture across different industries. They are a great way to kick back and connect with your colleagues beyond the small chats in the office over the coffee machine or water cooler and during lunch breaks. Against the backdrop of great music, you get to let your hair down with your managers and even chat with them as human beings.

Vanessa Carstens, an executive coach, industrial and organisational psychologist and behavioural specialist, advises you to watch how you behave at these gatherings, because as much as you might be in a festive mood, there is a potential minefield of career and reputation pitfalls. 

Leadership coach Limpho Seeiso adds that as much as it could be called an office party, it is still a work function, and your boss is not expecting any violation of the workplace policies.

Seeiso says:

Always remember that letting loose and gulping unacceptable amounts of alcohol during the event can get you into trouble and even cost you your job.

Here are five commandments you dare not break if you want to keep your job:

Flirt and indulge in romantic escapades:

Carstens says that while office parties may exude a laid-back atmosphere, it's very important to uphold professional boundaries. 

She adds:

It’s important to maintain a friendly and respectful tone in your interactions, reserving romantic advances for more suitable settings.  Failing to do so can result in a tarnished personal brand.

Have boundless drinks and blackout:

Seeiso warns that by being too intoxicated you risk losing control of your thoughts, actions and mostly, the things you say. “Some people deal with confidential information in the workplace and not being in control exposes them to sharing this information, which in turn violates corporate policies.”

She adds that from a social point of view, in an instance where you still have to drive home, drinking under the influence could land you in trouble with the law. “It does not just ruin your career but it also leaves you with a criminal record too!”

READ: Keeping existing employees happy crucial for companies wanting to attract talent

Indulge in gossip:

Carstens says that gossiping about your colleagues and line managers at office parties can be a hazardous game. “Spreading sensitive or negative information can erode trust, damage working relationships and tarnish your reputation. What's said at the office party doesn't stay there, so it's wise to keep the gossip at bay,” she adds.

Her advice is that you should rather focus on "light, positive and non-work-related topics" to steer clear of this minefield.

Don’t show up and don’t engage actively:

Carstens warns that failing to attend an office party or appearing disengaged during the event can have adverse effects on your career and reputation. 

Seeiso agrees, adding that not showing up comes across as rude. “I think it is an opportunity for the employer to have a feel of how engaged the employees are or even how the employees relate to each other or if they even want to relate to each other given the choice. That is a measure that in most cases should be addressed by the employer. However, people go where they are happy to celebrate or where the celebration means something to them.”

Carstens adds that to avoid making a bad impression, make an effort to attend office parties, actively participate in the festivities and take time to connect with your colleagues and superiors.

READ: Dashiki | Don’t make this another silly season

Infringe on others’ privacy:

Carstens says that respecting others' privacy is vital during office parties: “Avoid taking excessive photos or videos without obtaining consent from your colleagues. While capturing memories is a fun part of such events, remember that not everyone may want their images shared on social media. Always seek permission before snapping photos or recording videos and respect the wishes of those who prefer to keep their celebrations private.”  

She adds that such consideration ensures that everyone can enjoy the party without feeling their privacy is compromised. She shares the following dos and don'ts: