The Office Christmas Party - How to avoid being one in ten who go overboard...

Tis’ the season to be jolly. Just, not too jolly… as a survey published by the TUC (Trade Union Commission) has shown that over 40% of party-goers have admitted to getting more than a bit squiffy at the office Do which can have some rather unfavourable consequences…

According to a survey by YouGov of over 1000 workers, 1 in 10 have admitted embarrassing themselves in front of their boss, 1 in 11 have been sick and 1 in 12 have revealed something embarrassing to a colleague.

Then there are the dance off’s, which perhaps surprisingly (unless you’ve witnessed it) more than a quarter of 18 to 24 year olds admit to having with a co-worker. Thankfully this figure drops to only 8% of the 25 to 39 year olds, 4% of those 40 to 49 and only 3% of the over 60’s felt compelled to bust some shapes.

Christmas should be the time for letting your hair down with your co-workers but there are a few simple steps to make sure you don’t come a cropper when it comes to overindulging at the office bash:

Making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options on offer for people or not being afraid to ask for a glass of something soft half way through the evening.

Do what you can to avoid talking about work. This isn’t the time to moan about wanting a pay rise, discuss HR issues or talk office politics – try to keep it light and friendly.

Make sure everyone has travel arrangements to get home safely. If you can, lay on transport or accommodation so you don’t risk people missing trains or turning up in another county.

Resist taking too many pictures and definitely resist posting things on social media!

If your party is mid-week, consider booking a day’s holiday the day after if you think you might be too tired or unable to work. Or, if you can, arrange it for a Friday or Weekend.

Frances O’Grady, TUC general secretary, commented: “Christmas parties are a great way to celebrate a year’s hard work and let your hair down with colleagues.

“However, workers and bosses need to remember that they are still in a work setting. No one wants to make a fool of themselves in front of colleagues – or worse, do something that will get them sacked at Christmas. Use your common sense and have a happy and safe night.”

https://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/one-ten-workers-who-have-attended-work-christmas-party-admit-embarrassing