Cape Town - With just a month to Christmas, 2013 is rapidly drawing to a close.
As soon as the schools close and businesses shut down, everybody gets swept up by the festive vibes.
And nothing says “we’ve reached the end” quite like that year-end office party.
You’ve worked your butt off all year and this is when your boss says thank-you for all the hard work and spoils his staff a little bit.
Some companies give extravagant fancy-dress parties while some will have a simple lunch or dinner.
Nonetheless, it’s a time to socialise with your colleagues outside of the work environment, and it comes with its own set of rules.
Having worked for both small and large companies, I’ve seen all sorts of year-end parties – from the fancy do at a five-star hotel to a braai in the woods.
But the one thing they’ve all had in common is the one person who threw away their good name after one too many drinks, or that girl who wore the most inappropriate outfit, letting it all hang out.
Right now you’re either giggling or cringing, depending on which side of this story you are on.
I wonder how many people are going to be twerking at their office parties this year? It didn’t look good when Miley Cyrus did it, and it won’t look good if you do it.
No one wants to see you twerk, not your colleagues or your boss, nor that guy in accounting you’ve had your eye on for ages.
And while I’m on that topic, please don’t go and throw yourself at the sexy accountant once you’re a bit tipsy.
It’s always the shy ones who can’t say two words in the office who suddenly come alive and turn into sex kittens and dancing queens once they’ve had a few glasses of bubbly.
Just remember: where there are people, there are cellphones, where there’s a cellphone, there’s a camera, and where there’s a camera, your face or boobs or bum or whatever you’re exposing WILL be on Twitter and Facebook.
And once it’s out on the social networks, you can’t take it back. EVER.
This ain’t Vegas. What happens at office parties doesn’t stay at office parties.
To ensure that you have a great time without having to do the walk of shame back into the office on Monday morning, here are a few tips on how to survive your office party.
1. Dress appropriately.
If the dress code says smart, make the effort. If it’s a casual picnic don’t wear your shortest mini and platform heels. It doesn’t mean you can rock up in cut-off denim shorts and flip-flops either.
It’s still a WORK function.
Don’t wear anything too revealing, or that shows too much flesh, or that you’re going to be uncomfortable in all night.
Guys, that crudely funny tie you wore to your friend’s bachelor party has no place at a office function.
2. Try to eat as many starters or snacks before you start boozing.
If it’s the kind of party where the waiters just keep topping up your wine glass, you can easily lose track of just how many you’ve had.
Before you know it and before you’ve even had your main meal, you’re five glasses of champers down and already slurring.
So sip slowly and keep your stomach lined.
3. Keep conversation light and interesting.
Yes we’ve all had our ups and downs this year, but who wants to discuss the global fuel crisis or crime stats over a lovely meal someone took the time to organise for you.
4. Do NOT engage in office gossip though.
Office gossip plus alcohol is a bad combination and won’t end well.
5. Don’t spend too much time with the boss.
Yes, you’re gunning for a promotion and want to tell him or her about all the great work you’ve been doing and how bad Johnny has been, but this isn’t the time or place to do so.
If you’ve been drinking, you never know what else might slip out, especially if you have grievances with your boss or line manager.
And no, this is not the time to demand an increase either.
Mingle with everyone and enjoy yourself.
6. Don’t be that person who posts embarrassing pictures on social networks.
What you might think is hilarious at the time, will only end in tears when your victim discovers their picture has been liked, commented on and retweeted by the entire world.
7. Drink lots of water before, during and after the function.
You’ll thank me in the morning. Pace yourself by drinking a glass of water for every glass of alcohol.
8. If you know you have to work the following day, don’t overdo it at the party.
Even though everybody was there and you were all having a good time, you are still an employee. So don’t call in “sick” when everybody knows you’re just babbalas (hungover). - Daily Voice