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5 Tips For Surviving and Thriving at Your Company Holiday Party
It's that time of year — time to join your co-workers and bosses at the annual company holiday party. Some love celebrating with their office, while others may not be so into the holiday festivities with co-workers. Either way, there's definitely a certain etiquette required for surviving the soiree.
I'm Asking: Is Your Company Hosting a Holiday Party?
Holiday party mania is in full swing — from ugly sweater parties, swanky galas, cookie swaps to good old fashioned company holiday soirees.
While the economy still has most companies on a tight budget, I suspect more offices will be decking the halls than last year. Are you gearing up for a company-hosted holiday or end of the year fete?
What Would You Choose For Your Office-Birthday Treat?
Jim and Dwight took their party-planning responsibilities seriously in last night's episode of The Office, blowing up balloons, decorating a sheet cake, and even thinking of a theme for Kelley's birthday.
The demanding birthday girl got the cake no matter what, but the planning duo gave Kelley the option of taking a one-hour nap or watching one hour of TV for her birthday treat. Kelley went for the nap, which is exactly what I would choose without hesitation.
What's Your Most Memorable Office Party Moment?
Office holiday parties have the tendency to be awkward, to say the least, which is the reason many workers say they need alcohol to have a good time at these festive functions. On last night's episode of The Office, Meredith took this necessity to the next level and got hammered on a potent alcoholic potion (equal parts scotch, rum, absinthe, gin, vermouth, triple sec, and two packs of Splenda) concocted by the Scranton branch boss himself, Michael Scott. In celebration of the party's "Nights in Morocco" theme, Meredith lifted up her shirt to show off her belly-dancing skills, and while dancing her hair somehow catches on fire.Do You Need Alcohol to Enjoy Your Office Holiday Party?
It seems that beer goggles have expanded their functionality from bars to office holiday parties. According to a YouGov survey of 1,429 UK workers, 43 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 45 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds admitted to needing alcohol to enjoy their office parties; co-workers and bosses seem more tolerable when these workers are under the influence.
Reliance on alcohol dropped as the respondents' ages increased: 32 percent of 34- to 44-year-olds said alcohol was necessary to have a good time, while 25 percent of those aged 45-54 agreed.
Did You Get the Office Memo? The Party's Over
Now that we're officially in an economic recession, it probably won't come as a shocker that this holiday may seem a little short on company-sponsored festivities. Even the traditionally lavish Google is downsizing its holiday party this year — gone are the days of ice sculptures of the company's logo.
According to one survey, 2008 will have the lowest percentage of corporate holiday functions seen in the US in the past 20 years; roughly 20 percent of businesses are downsizing or canceling Christmas festivities, with at least 65 percent of New York businesses scaling back or cutting their holiday functions.
Is Your Company Having a Holiday Party This Year?
The chill in the air can only mean that the holidays are just around the corner, which usually means an invitation for the annual office party would appear in your inbox any day now. Word on the street is that after a rough year that included the termination of CosmoGIRL!, Hearst Corp. has canceled its holiday party, and perhaps its decision is an indication of what other corporations will do about celebrating this year.
The Office Baby Shower Is Storkless But There's Cake
Workday parties at the office are usually hard to get excited about — it's not that people don't care about their co-worker's birthday or baby, but most gatherings are inevitably awkward and employees are surprised to realize they'd rather be at their desks. Unless, of course, there are enticing treats involving icing. Phyllis understands this and uses sheet cake as motivation for the Dunder Mifflin employees to donate money for Jan's baby shower on last night's episode of The Office.Would You Want an Office Bridal Shower?
Some offices have the tradition of celebrating a bride-to-be with an office bridal shower. These resemble your usual shower typically put on by friends and family, except it's planned by your office mates and the guest list is limited to your female co-workers. Sometimes the women spearheading the shower will try and surprise the bride and they secretly send invitations to all female employees and include registry information.
Your Two Cents: Is Drinking Beer Unprofessional?
I've heard mixed opinions about women carrying bottled beer around at a professional event. I'm really unsure if there's such thing as a professional beverage, but if there is one it might not be your favorite brew. Do you think there's anything wrong with drinking beer at a work function?
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