It’s the holiday season. With that comes gift-shopping, stressful family get-togethers and yes, company holiday parties. Company parties are meant to be more informal, carefree gatherings. This doesn’t mean you can let your guard down completely. What you say and how you act can make a big difference. These shortcomings can and do carry over in the workplace. While I can list at least 50 mistakes employees make at holiday parties, I think the single biggest mistake lies in alcohol consumption.
Drinking is pervasive at any holiday party. Regardless of its an open bar or a cash bar, some people let their guards down too much. I admit, alcohol in small doses, such as a glass of wine or a beer or two, is a good way to open up and be more social and comfortable at the party. That’s great.
But, the problems begin when you start on your third glass of wine, fourth beer, etc. At first you are a bit tipsy, not a big deal. Then your judgment begins to fade, and you might blurt some things about work or a coworker that you wouldn’t have said had you been sober. If things get really bad, you could wind up puking your guts out and/or blacking out at the company holiday party.
At the very least, you will be known as the person, who can’t hold their alcohol at the company party. That’s pretty bad, as it is. But if you say the wrong thing while drunk at the party, hard feelings can and do carry over back into the workplace. This can result in you being demoted, losing the opportunity for a raise and even being fired.
So, ask yourself if the extra drink(s) are really worth losing work opportunities? Be smart this holiday season. Please drink responsibly.