When partying at workplace

Partying at workplace

Parties at the workplace can be a tricky area to navigate. We've always been told not to mix our office lives with the afterhours fun. But falling into the grey area between work and play are office parties. It is important to be seen at office parties, even if only for some time. Don't show up and you could be seen as a spoilsport and uptight. Besides, you may miss out on an excellent opportunity to network!

Time it right

Your office is organising a party on Friday night. You can think of a million better ways to spend that time. So, how important is it to attend the party? Very important. Tempting as it may be to feign illness or other commitments, the loss will be only your own. Office parties are a chance to network and bond with others from the organisation. As we all know, knowing the right people is critical to organisational growth today.

Networking wise

Speak to different people, especially those from departments other than your own. This is perhaps the best chance to get to know some of your colleagues in a causal, relaxed setting. Make an effort to speak to spouses of colleagues. An office party is one of the few occasions when people let their guard down at the workplace and are willing to mingle and joke about. The entire mood is light and laidback. The usual office rules don't apply and everyday dynamics are suspended. Speak to new people; don't stick to the colleagues you already know well. Try to strike up a good conversation with your superiors as well.

Avoid excesses

Stick within generally accepted limits of decency and appropriateness. Avoid excesses - alcohol or food. While the open bar and delicious buffet line may be extremely tempting, control your urges. It is also not okay to dance on the table, however well you may dance. While you may be remembered as the star of the party, it may prevent the management from taking you seriously in the future. Remember, you are always being watched. You are in the same room as the senior management and your boss' boss. Have fun, but be level headed about it. A good workplace reputation is built slowly and steadily over time but easily destroyed.

Conversation capers

Don't forget the best way to strike up a conversation - making eye contact with the person and smiling. The usual rules of conversational etiquette apply here too. Stay clear of controversial areas like religion, politics and gender. While humour always works, jokes that may be offensive should also be avoided. When I first started working and going for office parties, I was always unsure what to talk about, especially since I was so junior. I then hit upon the secret to any successful office party conversation: ask the right questions and let the other person talk. Everyone likes an interested audience!

Extend the conversation beyond office work and current deadlines. Talk about common interests and passions like sports, music or movies. Once you establish some sort of common ground, you will always have something to share with that colleague even during the everyday office routine.

Dressing diaries

Dressing for an office party is often a sticky question. You don't want to look underdressed, nor do you want to be the office Christmas tree. Collaborate with a few other colleagues, so you all dress to a similar level. Avoid jarring colours or designs that expose too much skin. Make an effort to dress up and look nice. The entire point of an office party is to get noticed. Ask yourself, would your CEO be more likely to chat with a well-presented employee or one who is shabby and indifferent?

An office party can be a great time to further relationships at the workplace. If used wisely to connect with the right people, it may the best thing that ever happened to your career.

Courtesy: Hindustan Times