9 office party do's and don'ts

By Lyndsay Swinton

1. Do go along, even if it’s for a token 30 minutes. No-one likes no-shows.
2. Don’t be fooled that an office party is not work. Your behaviour will be judged for good or bad.
3. Do decide what you want to achieve from the evening. Do you want to let down your hair or network with the right people?
4. Don’t go too far. Be mindful of what you drink, and be careful what you say to whom.
5. Do wear appropriate clothes. Your normal party clothes may reveal too much about you!
6. Don’t take drugs or be enticed into any other illegal activity. Ever. You can lose your job.
7. Do say thanks to the organisers. These events are normally organised by volunteers and will appreciate the recognition.
8. Don’t be the office bore. Despite all the constraints and pitfalls, it is still a party, so lighten up and have some fun.
9. Do follow up any new contacts. Remember - it's not what you know, it’s who you know!