By Kamiya Jani for www.wealth.moneycontrol.com
GAYATHRI Ramakrishnan, a banking professional, shares an experience, "A colleague got so drunk at an office party that he pushed his boss into the swimming pool! The next day he felt terrible as people smirked."
No doubt the prospect of a party is exciting! And it's time to let your hair down. But remember: you are being WATCHED.
Office parties are mainly intended as social events to reward employees and raise their morale. So, it's basically a business event. And also, a good opportunity to behave well and make some good career moves.
Being fashionably late for an office party is not a good sign. "Since the annual bash was a party, I was pretty casual about it and reached about an hour late. By then, everyone was having dinner and packing up," says Rahul Agarwal, who works in an IT company. Understandably, he regrets not being on time.
Coordinate with your colleagues to find what time they plan to drop in. Also, the head honchos will definitely not appreciate your entering after the speeches are over!
As for clothes, something too revealing or fancy may not be a good idea. Since it is a business event, conservative party clothes would be a good choice. Till the party ends, conduct yourself professionally.
Keep your conversation light and upbeat. Discuss business or office work, and you may be labelled a bore! Talking about the last movie you saw, is a good bet. Gossiping about a coworker is a no-no.
Don't be stuck up or shy. Mingle. "I view office parties as an opportunity to grow my network and get to know the big guys," says Abhishek Karnad, 26, who works with a BPO. "Networking helped me change my team in the same organisation. I knew the other team had better scope and here I am!"
Introduce yourself to the company bigwigs. If they seem busy, add that you enjoy working there and move on. It's a good time to mingle with people from other departments or top management.
You may share a good camaraderie with your boss at work. But getting overtly familiar with him or her at your party may not be such a good thing. Over-familiarity may breed contempt!
Hold your drink in one hand. Keep the other hand free, to shake hands with the people you meet. And make sure you hold your drink in the left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet handshake all evening.
And getting drunk is a big no-no. A couple of drinks is not a big deal. But if your boss finds you slouched in the middle of the dance floor, that could be very embarrassing for you and your boss. Remember: you can always drink once the party is over.
Also, an office party is not the best place to get cozy with a colleague!
It's a good platform to display your cultural side. You could be remembered for your singing or mimicry talent. Your employers have spent big bucks to reward you. Don't be overtly conscious. Enjoy the party.
And if someone took trouble to plan the party, a thank-you note or an e-mail would be thoughtful.
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Source: Wealth