Tips to survive the office party

The office party season is upon us.

While such events are held as a fun way to socialize with co-workers, there can be gaffes.

Here are some etiquette tips, to survive the festive season, from Nicholas Kokkastamapoulos, who is the executive director of the Haultain Centre for International Affairs at the University of Saskatchewan. The organization works to promote the importance of the business world, and business education, across the province.

Do I have to go?

• Yes, you pretty much have to attend the office Christmas party. At least go for some of the party.
• People may wonder where you are, why you didn't show, and you may miss out on important work discussions.
• Stay long enough to have some meaningful conversations, about one hour to 90 minutes.

What about drinks?

• It is OK to abstain from drinking for any number of reasons.
• If you enjoy a drink, and there is liquor offered, go ahead but limit yourself to a maximum of two drinks over the course of the party.
• Eat something before the party, if you are having drinks at the function and there is no food served.

Hugs or handshakes?

• Handshakes are an extension of your friendship and personality, so do not fear such a gesture.
• In the past, men would wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Now it is fine foreveryone to offer a handshake as a greeting.
• If a colleague has adopted the fist-bump, go with it.
• If you are recovering from a cold, simply explain that fact if someone offers a handshake that you need to decline.

What will I wear?

• If you are unsure, just ask the host (or the office's human resources person) what is expected.

Making conversation

• Hesitation sounds, like "er" and "um", are common in everyone's speaking voice. Those can be minimized by simply slowing down when you speak. Also, relax. When you are nervous, there's a tendency to speak too fast, which can lead to verbal stumbles.
• If you are shy person, it is OK to explain to people that you are a bit shy. It can actually be a bit of an ice-breaker. Try starting out at the event talking with other people you already know. Set a goal to talk to a couple of new people.
• Have some prepared ice-breakers, such as "Hey, that is a really great tie".
• Try to ensure the conversation is not all about you. Take an interest in other people, asking about their jobs or vacations.
• Spend about two to five minutes in each conversation unless you have good rapport with the other person or an in-depth discussion needs to happen.

Leaving

• Ensure your departure is not a disappearance.
• Thank your hosts and any key people in attendance.

Finally, Kokkastamapoulos provides a reminder that it is a party and provides a great opportunity to get in touch with colleagues beyond work projects. Treat it as a fun event.

However, he adds you should be mindful of the guest list.

"If it's simply a gathering of your colleagues for an end-of-the-year festivity, your behaviour is normally the same as it would be in your everyday work environment," he said. "You can tone it downa bit or be a bit more casual because it's a relaxed atmosphere."

On the other hand, if the function involves clients or people from other companies in the same business, the tone of the party is a bit different.

"You can be relaxed and casual," Kokkastamapoulos said. "You also have to keep in mind that it is a business event."