The Christmas season is almost here which means the date for the company’s Christmas party will soon come up. As a result, now is the perfect time to look at a few ways you can make it through the season without having to deal with disciplinary action.
Get Ready for a Variety of Music
Christmas theme music and background music at Christmas parties can be pretty horrible. Depending on the host, you may hear such hits as:
- Run-D.M.C. – Christmas In Hollis
- John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War is Over)
- Bruce Springsteen – Santa Claus is Coming To Town
- The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
- Chuck Berry – Run Rudolph Run
If music of certain types gets you all fired up, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, depressed, then watch your booze during the Christmas party. You may cause a scene if you hate the music, or love the music and are overly excitable.
Be Aware Of Your Alcohol Limits
One of the most common things that happens at company Christmas parties is that employees typically have one too many drinks and they become too animated. Even though Christmas is a season to be jolly, you need to know your limit. You definitely don’t want to be the employee that is falling down on themselves in the street! This is particularly important because the police usually have a higher presence during Christmas and you definitely don’t want to end up in a cell for drunk and disorderly behavior.
The majority of people wouldn’t drink and drive, however, due to the fact that there is more police around during Christmas, getting a charge for drinking and driving is highly possible. This is something you want to avoid since it will show up on your criminal record and you can also potentially lose your license. These can both negatively impact your job and career. So, make sure that you’re well prepared and hire a taxi or have a designated driver before the party.
Avoid The Photocopier
Photocopying particular body parts is certainly a common prank, you definitely want to avoid doing so with the office photocopier since you can possibly be charged for indecent exposure or you may even damage or break the machine.
There are many people that consider photocopying your posterior as being funny but there are also many other people who would be offended. Also, be aware that copies of your derriere will be given to your manager! So, if you want to avoid the embarrassment of having to own up to the indecent photocopies at work, you should definitely avoid doing this prank in the first place.
Derriere photocopying trick: Is it really worth it?
Instead stick to fun party props from Premier Glow to keep people entertained and away from the photocopier.
Avoid Talking Ill Of Your Colleagues
Most people vent to their colleagues or bosses about others in the office, however, the yearly Christmas party isn’t the time or place for doing so. Remember, this party will be a relaxed space where most people will feel relaxed and more likely to talk about their problems. This is certainly not a good idea since it will feed the office rumor mill as well as reach senior management.
The things you say may cause the other person or persons to be disciplined or fired. This can cause a cascade effect and you may even get in trouble for bullying. Even worse, you may have an employment tribunal claim put against you due to spreading hurtful rumors about other employees.
Be Careful With Your Banter
During Christmas, most people are more relaxed which means there would be a lot more banter. However, make sure you don’t go too far. Be aware of how comfortable or uncomfortable your colleagues are and know when you need to stop. If they become uncomfortable, that is your sign to stop since you’ve overstepped.
Keep in mind that your company will have policies around harassment and bullying due to the Equality Act 2010. So, this means that you can be subject to disciplinary proceedings if other employees take offense to what you say.
Don’t Make Unwanted Advances
Even though Christmas is a time for merriment, make sure you don’t misread signals and make unwanted advances on your colleagues.
Even though you may have been flirting for a while with a particular coworker for multiple months and you may think that the Christmas party is the best place to make your move, make sure that the individual welcomes your advances. After all, you wouldn’t want all your other co-workers to see you get rejected. This is important so you don’t get a particular reputation or even get accused of sexual harassment.
Company Christmas parties are certainly a great time to socialize with your colleagues and celebrate the year. Even though you should have a good time, make sure that your behavior doesn’t get out of hand!
Gift photo created by master1305 – www.freepik.com