It’s the most dangerous time of the year … at least for employees who take it too far at the holiday office party. Here are a few timely reminders to pass along, so none of your staffers commit career suicide this year.
Besides the basics — responding to the invitation in a timely manner, dressing appropriately, etc. — the most important thing to pass along to staffers: Remember that the office party is a work event.
Of course, you could repeat this until you’re blue in the face and, chances are, at least one worker will have a little too much fun.
A point to remember: With the help of social networking sites (people tweeting from the party, etc.), an employee’s antics could become the stuff legends are made of by the time Monday rolls around. Even worse, poor choices could be on display forever via YouTube with the aid of a mere cell phone.
In addition, here are two other common holiday party blunders:
Only talking about work. It’s important to remember to leave shop talk out of the party. Holiday parties are meant to be a respite from the rigors of the nine to five, not informal meetings that serve eggnog.
Trying too hard to be a comedian. It’s easy to take your co-workers’ laughter as a sign to step it up a notch. But there’s a fine line between funny and offensive.
