As holiday office parties kick into full swing, new research reveals the biggest party faux pas might be the most obvious one: drinking too much. A survey of 3,000 Georgia managers by resume.io has identified the top mishaps that can turn festive celebrations into career-dampening moments.
“The office party is not a confessional booth, and trust is hard to rebuild,” Amanda Augustine, career expert at resume.io, warned in an email. “What might seem like harmless fun after a few drinks can have lasting professional consequences.”
Here are the top 5 office party faux pas, according to managers.
Drinking too much: Keep your drinking moderate at work events. Intoxicated behavior can damage your professional reputation and create uncomfortable situations with colleagues.
Missing the event: In our hectic world, skipping office celebrations to get something else done might seem tempting. But these gatherings are actually great chances to chat with people from other departments and build stronger workplace relationships.
Inappropriate romantic advances: Maintain professional boundaries regardless of the festive atmosphere. Workplace relationships require careful consideration, and a party setting isn’t the place to initiate them.
Getting too personal: Your hilarious story might seem perfect after a glass of wine, but remember that office gossip travels fast. Some stories are better saved for your friends outside work.
Taking extra food home: Although the spread might be amazing, packing up leftovers can come across poorly. Enjoy the meals during the event instead of treating it like a takeout spot.
The research also offers hope for those who might stumble: 59% of managers said a sincere apology is the best way to bounce back from a party mishap. However, prevention remains better than cure. The survey found successful office party navigation often comes down to three simple rules: limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding controversial topics, and — perhaps most important — relaxing and focusing on having genuine fun without overthinking.
“Holiday parties are a great time to unwind with coworkers,” Augustine added, “but keep in mind that people will remember how you acted. You can have a good time while still maintaining your professional reputation — it’s all about finding the right balance.”
About the Author
