What you should never do at an office Christmas party, according to an etiquette expert
After two years of Covid-cancelled plans, the office Christmas party is back with a vengeance in 2022 – and now an etiquette expert has revealed exactly how to ensure you stay on your best behaviour.
Jacqueline Whitmore, 58, says some things you should never do at a work Christmas party include making a beeline for food, spreading office gossip and drinking yourself into “oblivion”.
Whitmore adds that it’s important to attend the Christmas party in the first place and it shouldn’t been seen as an optional event, but instead as an “extension of the office”.
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“It’s really important to show up and to use it as an opportunity to get to know your supervisors or colleagues that you may have only met over Zoom,” Whitmore advises.
“Greet the host and go around and introduce yourself. If you go straight for the buffet, it looks like you're there just for the food.”
Whitmore adds that it may even be a good idea to do a bit of research before the party so you can know who will be there and what you can talk to them about.
“Perhaps you will then see that your supervisor has just got back from holiday so you can ask them about that,” she continues.
However, she says that it’s important to be “mindful” of the conversation topics you bring up, and to always avoid controversial topics such as politics or any politically incorrect jokes.
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“Engage in light, pleasant conversation instead of dialogue that focuses on office gossip or the stresses of everyday work,” she explains. “Use topics that are upbeat, light and inclusive.”
As for dress code, Whitmore says dressing with “good taste” is best, adding that you can dress up but to “keep it conservative”.
To avoid a Bridget Jones-esque moment of standing on a table, a bottle of booze in hand and singing bad karaoke, Whitmore says to also be mindful of how much alcohol you consume.
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“Drinking too much may make you do something you regret,” she adds.
Whitmore says it’s also important to be gracious and thank the organisers of the party, either by email or in person.
“Perhaps write an email to the supervisor of those who helped to say they did a great job,” she continues. “You want to be a gracious guest.”
Additional reporting by SWNS.
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