Seasonal Advice: The Work Party is Still Work
Posted:
10/12/2012 5:00:00 AM by
Mining Oil and Gas JobsFiled under:
Career-resources
It’s that time of the year when holiday parties are in full swing. It’s common in Australia and throughout the world to reward employees with a social gathering. When the food and drinks flow, it’s important to remember you’re still at work, even if you’re not.
Our article at the Careers and Industry Guide titled,
The Work Party! lists five reasons why employees need to be especially careful during the holiday season.
Fatigue
The end of the year often sees workers both physically and mentally tired. Many people take time off during the summer and it may have been months since your last real break. Add alcohol to the mix and your festive spirit might just turn into an embarrassing situation.
Alcohol
Having one too many drinks is far too easy when you’re in celebration mode. When the company is picking up the bar tab, it’s even easier. Many career limiting moves have been performed under the influence and the watchful eye of a sober manager.
Music
Parties are often held off company premises in an effort to get everyone to relax and have fun. Inhibitions are easily lowered on the dance floor and what seemed like fun on a Friday night is the talk of the work site on Monday morning.
Personality
Most people find it easy to keep a professional image at work. When they’re out of the office, they may well be more relaxed and more liberal in their behavior. If you’re at a work party, it’s best to keep the professional attitude at hand especially when it comes to dealing with managers and subordinates.
Clothes
Party attire and professionalism often don’t mix, especially for women. Low-cut dresses, stiletto heels and short skirts send a message that might not be appropriate in a work setting. Unbuttoned shirts with a healthy display of chest hair can be just as inappropriate. Remember, shedding the PPE is already giving your personal appearance a big boost. Don’t go overboard.
Modern danger: Broadcast mode
Unfortunately, what happens at the work party often stays at work. Count on the fact most, if not all, party guests will have a way to take photographs. Party photos often get posted on social networking sites in real time. A bit of playfulness or tomfoolery on the night has a nasty habit of hanging around for an eternity. Not only can it damage your career, work parties have been known to hit personal relationships hard. Remember everything you say or do is likely to be recorded for posterity.
The work party should be a fun, enjoyable event for you to relax with your work mates. It’s not the time or place, however, to let your hair down and throw caution to the wind. Save that for gatherings with your family and friends – people that can’t impact your career or future earning potential.
Check out our
Career Resources section for more ideas about how to successfully navigate the work party and your career..
What stories can you share about the work party?
