How to behave for year-end party?

Good morning! It is the last month of the year! Congratulations for yet another fruitful, meaningful and productive year. This is the time for celebration and to set yourself up for the annual year-end party. But hey, don’t forget to check out what to look out for. How do you enjoy yourself while making sure this is not your last holiday season with the company? Jokes aside, here are some really meaningful tips for you.

Most companies will have an annual dinner and dance event nearing the end of the year. This is usually being organized before Christmas. Companies might also organise a “Secret Santa” event where colleagues and participants buy gifts for each other without the other party’s knowledge. It also has an element of surprise since participants simply input their request and have no clue on their Secret Santa.

The annual company’s party is a fun-filled, relaxing event and a perfect time to unwind. Employees should look forward to it with a positive attitude. Here are some tips on how to behave appropriately according to the situation.

Related article: How do we maximise our time at party?

1. Table of Contents

   Attendance

Attendance is of utmost importance. More often than not, employees are not close to all their colleagues and they may not wish to attend the party if given a choice. This is to prevent awkwardness and a situation where attendees have to think of what to say to sustain a dull conversation. Indeed, this is painful and very relatable. However, it is important to give respect to the company, your boss and your fellow colleagues. 

Attending the party will show that you are a team player and you want to belong to the company. Even if you are uncomfortable with your colleagues, taking the first step to socialize with them show your boss the effort you put in and your adaptability in handling difficult situations.

2. Dress appropriately

Next, both male and female employees should dress appropriately and show sufficient respect for the event. They should follow the dress code and be in formal attire if required or smart casual unless otherwise stated. It should be tasteful, appropriate and professional.

3. Interact and socialize 

In the workplace, employees will mostly be busy with work. Most of the time, interaction with colleagues revolve around work. Hence, this might be a good opportunity to converse with colleagues and find out more about them. Moreover, most of us spend long periods of time with colleagues in our own department and not with colleagues from other departments. Nevertheless, this is a good chance to interact with colleagues from other departments, widen our social circle and allow us to ask them for help if required. Fostering cross-department interaction will allow projects to be completed effectively and efficiently. For example, party organisers can assign seats and arrange people from different departments to sit with each other. Each department will then feel more comfortable in discussing and seeking help from each other for future tasks.

4. Be excited, positive and fun

It is important to have the right attitude and mindset when it comes to the year-end party. The mood has to be right and positive so that everyone will have fun. I encourage you guys to not think about work, have a bit of alcohol and just sway together with the music. While drinking moderately is encouraged, do not drink too much.

5. Don’t get wasted

Now, I have come to my next point which is about alcohol as well. We are all mature adults and each individual knows their own alcohol tolerance level. Thus, we should all drink in moderation and not be influenced by our colleagues. Your superiors will still be monitoring your activity so it is better to not get drunk and leave a bad impression on everyone. It is hard to say what you will do when you are intoxicated so it is better to remain sober and not drink more than what you can handle.

6. Be punctual for work the next day

After a night of eating and partying, you can imagine that some ladies and gentleman would be down with a hangover the next morning. It would be great if the party is happening on a Friday or a Saturday but more often than not, companies organise their parties on weekdays as well. Therefore, employees need to be aware and not drink excessively. They should also not give excuses to come in late the next day and should instead be responsible and show their work ethic by coming to work early the next day. This would definitely impress the boss (if he’s already in the office).

With all these tips, you will definitely be ready for the year-end party! Have a great time party-ing and happy holidays!