‘Tis the season for office holiday parties, which can be fun and festive if everyone is on their best behavior—or disastrous when too many people decide to let loose. Unfortunately, as Business Insider reports, the latter happens far too often.
“People need to remember that although the holiday party is a time to celebrate, this activity is still a business event and how you behave matters,” says Barbara Pachter, an etiquette expert and the author of The Essentials of Business Etiquette. “People have said and done all sorts of inappropriate things that have impacted their career by not following simple etiquette rules.”
According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 66% of employers say they’ll throw a holiday party this year. If your company is one of them and you want to keep your job and reputation intact, Business Insider and Pachter have compiled a list of 13 things you should never do at the party.
First of all, you shouldn’t decide to skip the party.
“You may not want to go,” says Pachter, adding it’s important that you show your commitment to the company. “Your absence will be noticed, and most likely, noted by your boss and other higher-ups.”
As for dress, you should never go with something inappropriate, even if the party is taking place outside traditional work hours. And that goes for your guests, too.
“His or her behavior will reflect on you,” Pachter says.
Other things you should not do at the holiday party: get drunk, look bored or bad mouth your colleagues.
“Also avoid discussing sex, politics or religion,” says Pachter.
