Corporate Functions

Corporate Entertainment

How to survive the company party

Sometimes a company party can be more awkward than it can be enjoyable! There’s a whole minefield of unspoken expectations and rules of etiquette that you have to navigate, and there’s the pressure that should you make a snafu, your work life will suffer.

Getting down with the accounting department doesn’t have to be dreadful, though. Follow these tips to survive - and even thrive at - the next corporate function you attend. You may even find yourself having a bit of fun!

  • Go to the party. For the most part, if your company is throwing an event and you’re invited, you’re expected to attend. Even if you only show up for a few minutes, your boss will take notice of the effort you made. Failing to show up for an event shows a lack of dedication to your company, and your job.
  • But don’t go to party. Remember, this is work. Even if the function is being held at a club or bar, you are still surrounded by colleagues (and perhaps superiors) and need to act appropriately. You want to dazzle them with a little bit of the personality they don’t get to see at work, but you still need to maintain your professional image. That means no off-colored jokes, not too much drinking, and no flirting.
  • Dress appropriately. You may be going out, but you’re going out with your coworkers. That means make an effort to look nice (clean and tidy is always appreciated!) but don’t be made up like the belle of the ball or the local club cat. For special occasions you’ll want to dress up a little, for casual get-togethers jeans always work. The key is moderation - know the venue and the type of event you’re attending and dress accordingly.
  • Don’t be the last to leave. You need to make an appearance, but you don’t have to make the party! The last to leave is actually the one who is holding everyone up - and chances are, has also had too much to drink. If all else fails, follow your boss’ lead. If he or she looks ready to leave, don’t hang on.