Mixing business and pleasure is always going to be a difficult balancing act to get right. This is certainly true when the office party rolls around each year. Here we go again, another excruciating evening of forced laughter at the boss' lame jokes and watching the clock on the wall.
So, how can office parties be made more bearable? First of all there is one rule that must be strictly adhered to, if you want to be certain to leave the party with your career intact.
Do not get drunk. Drinking in moderation is OK, but by far the safest route to take is total abstinence. That punch bowl could contain a vicious cocktail of alcohol that could spell disaster for your promotion prospects, if you have one too many. Alcohol loosens inhibitions and tongues and this can be dangerous when you are in the company of work colleagues. You might just tell the really annoying git in HR what you think of them. Equally, you may tell the office manager you are in love with them. You may start dancing on the tables, abusing the senior executives, crying in your drink, snogging the post boy....the potential for alcohol induced mayhem at the office party is huge. Remember, many offices these days have close circuit cameras for security and everybody has camera phones these days – you are being watched at all times, so beware.
A really good tip is to book a cab home in advance. Once your lift home arrives, it will be easy to take your leave without too much trouble. If the cab has arrived, you won't be tempted to go on somewhere else and keep on partying. If you live in Sandhurst and the surrounding areas, reserve a car with Sandhurst Taxis for an efficient, professional service.
Don't talk about work. Yeah, I know this is going to be difficult. The only thing that links you with the other people in the room is the fact that you work together. Keep talking shop to a minimum and don't get into deep conversations about office politics or procedures. Be friendly to work colleagues, but keep things on the vague side. You don't want to bump into them in the lift on Monday and feel embarrassed about anything you said. Avoid gossip and discussing colleagues behind their back -this usually comes back to haunt at some point. The safest topic to discuss is holiday plans, usually something everybody is happy to talk about at length.
Always make sure you read the invitation properly and dress appropriately for the occasion. If it is a casual, laid back event, you will feel rather silly turning up in ball gown and tiara! Equally, nothing effects your career as badly as arriving at a posh do in jeans.
The residents of Sandhurst love a party just like any other, and if you have an office event to be at, make sure Sandhurst Taxis are reserved to get you home safely afterwards. Whether returning from a large event in London, or a local party, ensure that travel arrangements for after the party are in place beforehand. At busy times of year such as Christmas, finding a cab can be a nightmare. Do not allow yourself to be stranded after a late night revelling – prepare in advance then you can relax and have a great evening.
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