You might even have to attend your partner’s party in addition to your own. Some will have a wonderful time; some will want to leave as soon as they can and others will carry the burden of their embarrassing actions for months to come. Here are thoughts and tips to have a great time.
Why should you go?
These parties with colleagues are an excellent moment to see the people you share most of your days with under a new light. There isn’t that much time around the coffee machine or during lunch to get to know our colleagues and their point of view on various subjects. Attending your party is respectful for those who organized it and a great opportunity to celebrate all the work you have done together to reach a common goal. Finally, for women who are on maternity leave, it is an excellent opportunity to get back on track and find out what happened while you were away.
Invited or not?
Some companies invite spouses to the party, some don’t. Those who do, want to use this precious time to talk to each other about things that are not work-related and get to know each other better. It can only work if the same group of people is together. Other companies will want to meet the person they heard about all year. It all depends on the company’s profile.
If you are invited and if your husband is very popular, you will want to make a good impression on people you barely know. Don’t worry, you will surely find someone else in the same situation who will want to spend some time with you. If he stays by your side, it will be the perfect opportunity to spend an evening with your man without the kids and to have some fun.
Dos and Don’ts
There are things you should do and things you should avoid in a professional party.
First, avoid letting things get out of control. If you avoid drinking too much and staying too late, you will avoid many problems with your boss and, maybe, with your family.
Sometimes, it is during these parties that flirts begin. Whether you are single or in a couple, please avoid that kind of faux pas that could follow you at home and at work. Obviously, if you are single, and if you were waiting for months for this opportunity to talk with a cute colleague, nothing stops you, but keep it simple in your drinking as well as in your clothing. Professional work parties are not the same as a night out with the girls, so dress accordingly!
That evening will also be a good time to get to know your supervisors. Your boss, who is often stuck between two meetings in his office might have had no time to talk to you for months. It is a great time to say hello and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. After all, your boss is paying for this beautiful party.
Simplicity is the word. If you remember that, your evening should go well. If your friends offer it, do not hesitate to go elsewhere to have a few more drinks with close colleagues. By getting away from the party, you will be able to party a bit more without having the official killjoy keeping an eye on you in order to find some juicy gossip to tell everyone on Monday morning.
