How Should You Navigate Holiday Work Parties?
Allie Grill and Matt Rousu
Originally Published in The Daily Item on November 19th, 2023
Work-sponsored social events and parties can occur throughout the year, but they are particularly common during the holiday season. These events are meant to be enjoyable, but they can be tricky to navigate, as they often involve socializing with coworkers, including your boss and possibly even executive leaders. So, how should you approach holiday parties? We have some suggestions:
First and foremost, exercise caution when it comes to alcohol consumption. Holiday parties can become especially challenging if they're held outside of the workplace and involve alcohol. It's perfectly acceptable not to drink alcohol, and if your workplace doesn't support this choice, it may be worth considering a more inclusive work environment. While many people do enjoy a drink at these events, it's crucial to moderate your consumption. An overindulgent holiday party can quickly turn into a career liability.
Second, be prepared to engage in appropriate small talk with your coworkers. It’s generally recommended to steer away from work-related conversations – save those for the 9am-5pm workday. So, what should you talk about? Generally, we recommend discussing neutral topics such as holiday plans and traditions, hobbies outside of work, and movies, TV, or books you enjoy. There are a few topics, in addition to work projects, that you should steer clear of discussing, such as politics, finances, personal health issues, offensive humor and any gossip or negation talk about coworkers. Additionally, active listening and showing interest in the other person’s responses are key. Follow up questions help continue the conversation naturally. Small talk is all about building connections – you may be surprised what you have in common with your coworkers!
Third, think about how you can network at the holiday party. While this may not apply to everyone, networking can be beneficial for those aiming to advance their careers. If this is your goal, it's essential to have a strategy for mingling at the event. For instance, if you're at a party with around 30 attendees, consider engaging in brief conversations with as many people as possible. Sometimes, the most difficult part of larger networking events with multiple attendees is figuring out how to mingle effectively and especially how and when to gracefully leave a conversation. Additionally, ensure that you thank the host and any co-workers who played a role in organizing the event. Your gratitude will leave a positive impression on those you interact with, which is especially important during networking. Building positive relationships with your coworkers, boss, your boss's boss, or anyone who could support your career progression can be particularly impactful.
Finally, the question of what to wear can vary significantly depending on your industry. However, using common sense is usually a good guideline. If you've attended similar parties in previous years, you should have an idea of the expected attire. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask a coworker or your boss for guidance. Being the only person in formal attire at a casual event or vice versa isn't ideal, so aligning your clothing choices with the general dress code is advisable.
The goal of a holiday party is to have fun, enjoy the holiday spirit, and most importantly, build positive relationships at work. These four tips should help you approach your next next holiday party with confidence.
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Allie Grill is Director of the Career Development Center and Matthew Rousu is Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University