It’s that time again: the annual end-of-the-year office party—and with it comes food, drinks, great music, and several questions on the proper etiquette for this event.
If you’re wondering the same, here are some popular questions:
Are office parties voluntary, or just “voluntary,” as in “we can’t fire you for not attending, but it will be unofficially noted and one day used against you”?
Can you drink alcohol? If yes, how much drinking is too much drinking?
How exactly should you dress?
What are you supposed to talk about with co-workers for several hours while you munch on your small chops?
And should you *really* let loose when a fire track by Davido comes on? I mean, the party organizers did mention you should “relax and have fun” one too many times.
Here’s all you might want to know about office party etiquette. With these rules, you will survive the evening with your professional reputation intact.
Our Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts At An Office Party
Ready to party? We’ve got you with our list of 10 commandments that will help you navigate every office party.
Commandment 1: Attend and Engage Well at the Party
You may hate the company and use all your spare time to apply for other jobs. Or maybe you don’t get on well with your colleagues. Still, put in the effort to show up to the party and actively engage with everyone. Also, don’t be late – African time does not apply to work parties. An office party is a valuable opportunity to build stronger relationships with your work colleagues and improve your visibility with management (make sure your boss sees you), which is crucial for you to grow your career.
If you absolutely can’t go, you should at least RSVP with your regrets as early as possible.
Pro-tip: Even if you’re introverted or not too friendly with any of your coworkers, don’t spend all night staring at your smartphone.
With a warm smile, greet your seniors and chat with as many colleagues as you can. In a casual setting, you’ll probably find it easier to connect with those you work with.
However, while making an effort to be seen and noticed, avoid being overly intrusive when interacting with your seniors.
Commandment 2: Dress Appropriately
For almost a year, you’ve been keeping your style demure to avoid HR’s wahala. You might be tempted to go full glam diva for the party—resist it. Or, perhaps, you wish to wear your sexiest club dress so your work crush, Chinedu from IT, will finally get a chance to see a side of you that those drab collar t-shirts and midi skirts can never reveal.
Unfortunately, while you may be free from the consequences of HR’s prying eyes, you may not escape the judgmental gazes of your colleagues—which may even follow you long after the party ends.
It may be a party, but it’s still one attended by your manager and co-workers. The traditional phrase “dress the way you want to be addressed” heavily applies in this setting.
Yes, you can wear party clothes. Pick bold colors, bring out the sequins (it’s the festive season, duh!), and strut in with an exquisite face beat—ditch the Vaseline that helps you look alive on typical work days.
However, you must maintain a similar level of respectability as you would on typical work days. Avoid clothes that are too tight, sheer or skimpy. For women, creating a professional image is difficult, so don’t sabotage it in one evening.
Commandment 3: Be Mindful of How You Eat
Your company didn’t throw a holiday party because they thought you didn’t have food at home. So, take it easy on how much you dine or snack.
It’s also crucial you observe good table manners. Avoid eating in a way that draws unnecessary attention, such as talking with your mouth full or chewing loudly. Stick to manageable portions and foods that are easy to handle—this will help you maintain a polished demeanor while interacting with colleagues.
Pro-tip: Eat some protein shortly before the event. Doing this makes you full-ish, so at the party, you won’t pile your plate excessively. Pre-eating also lets you concentrate on forging connections with colleagues rather than dealing with the headache and crankiness that come with socializing on an empty stomach.
Commandment 4: Respect Personal Boundaries
Respecting the privacy of others during office gatherings is crucial.
Avoid taking excessive pictures or videos of party attendees without first obtaining their permission. While capturing memories is an exciting part of such events, remember that not everyone may want their images shared on social media. Always seek consent before taking pictures or recording videos, and respect the wishes of those who prefer to keep their celebrations private.
By respecting these boundaries, you create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at ease and is able to enjoy the event without unnecessary tension.
Commandment 5: Easy on the Alcohol
It’s okay to have a drink at office parties, so long it’s on the menu. But remember, moderation is key.
Alcohol can impair your judgment and lower your inhibitions. While intoxicated, you may act out in a way that will have you groaning the following day, “What the hell was I thinking?” Poor choices spurred by the effects of alcohol (like hitting on your boss’s spouse, divulging personal secrets as a result of Dutch courage, or blacking out by the photocopier) can fuel workplace gossip or even land you a sack letter.
Stay mindful of your limits. A work party is neither the time nor place to overindulge. One margarita, or possibly two if you can handle it, is generally acceptable. However, even if you’re confident a third drink won’t affect you, remember that perception is everything. You still want to project professionalism even though you’re at a ‘party.’
Pro-tip: If you plan on having a few drinks, arrange a ride that will drop you back home. It isn’t a good look to inconvenience another colleague with the responsibility of ensuring you get home safe.
Additionally, you don’t want to be charged for breaking traffic laws for driving under the influence. Your work enemy will have a field day if this happens.
Commandment 6: Don’t Treat Your Office Party as a Hook Up Bar
You’re hanging out with the people you’ve (involuntarily) spent most of the year with. With a combo of the alcohol in your system, electrifying music, and your work crush under dimmer lights than you’re used to seeing him, you may get the urge to flirt, and if the flirting meets all KPIs, make out with him.
Don’t give into your animal instincts. Workplace romances—or worse, office party hookups—can be catastrophic.
Beyond finding yourself stuck in a workplace romance that you never bargained for, hitting on someone or acting sexually provocatively at an office party can undermine your professional reputation. It may cause your colleagues to lose respect for you, and in a worst-case scenario, it could lead to sexual harassment allegations.
Commandment 7: Dance With Caution
If it’s a party, there’ll probably be music. If there’s music, you might want to move your body. Don’t be a bore, bust some dance moves, but avoid anything risqué—twerking or whining your waist to show like Shakira, your hips don’t lie.
Your office party also isn’t the appropriate floor for your trenches-style leg work. Keep all performances cutesy.
Commandment 8: Avoid Office Gossip
There’s something about the bubbly atmosphere of parties that makes you want to gossip or overshare. It’s no different in office parties. Co-workers, in their vibrant clothes and dazzling smiles, might trick you into thinking you have a confidante in them, so you might get the itch to spill your tea—from rumors about another co-worker to your fantasies about giving your line manager a bitch slap. Don’t.
Unless you want to get into potential trouble, avoid partaking in office gossip, sensitive topics, or negative conversations—you don’t know who else might overhear you.
Keep conversations light-hearted, appropriately humorous, and easy!
Commandment 9: Never Underestimate the Importance of Your Guest’s Behavior
If your invitation includes a guest, choose carefully when deciding who to bring. Or else, go solo.
Avoid selecting someone who might act inappropriately or disregard professional etiquette. Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are—remember?
Any misbehavior by your guest could reflect negatively on you, damage your reputation, and undermine the respect you’ve built with colleagues and supervisors. Whether it’s a significant other, friend, or family member, ensure they understand the importance of representing you positively.
A guest who aligns with the event’s tone and decorum can enhance your image, while a misstep by them could stain your white.
Commandment 10: Express Gratitude to the Party Organizers
A company holiday party wouldn’t be successful without the hosts, your co-workers, and the organizers behind it.
Before leaving the event, take a moment to personally thank the host for organizing it. Many people forget to do that in a professional setting, but it’s a graceful exit that’ll make the boss notice you positively. A simple acknowledgment, such as thanking them for the opportunity to attend and expressing that you enjoyed the event, shows thoughtfulness and professionalism.
Remember to extend your appreciation to the HR team or any staff members involved in planning the gathering—they will value your recognition of their efforts.
Despite having the word “party” in the name, a holiday office work party is still a work event. It’s a more relaxed work event, yes, and there are small chops and often alcohol, but you’re still expected to maintain professionalism. And even if your company is one that encourages party attendees to let loose, there are risks to doing that. You’re going to have to work with these people after the party ends, and it’s better that they think of you as “the girl who is brilliant at marketing” and not “the one who drank too much then threw up all over an executive.”
