This morning More FM host Joe Cotton joined Paul Henry to tell him the do's and don'ts of the office Christmas party.
DO: Make the effort to attend. Even if you can't stand your co-workers. A no show will just serve to highlight those feelings.
DON'T: Let your social anxiety/workplace animosity drive you to get so drunk that you have to be carried out or forcibly removed. Nobody wants to be the drunkest person at the party. Be the 3rd drunkest and no-one will notice your antics by comparison
DO: Adhere to the dress code. Yes most people would rather have their appendix removed than have to wear a costume to a themed event. But don't be a killjoy. At least get an eye patch or some cat ears. A small amount of effort will make you feel part of the group. Just drink the coolaid.
DON'T: Think the word "costume" means something you might wear during role play with your partner. Think kids party appropriate. Not Halloween at the playboy mansion.
DO: Try and mingle with as many people as you can bear to make small talk with. It's a bit pointless if you're just gonna stick with your usual clique all night.
DON'T: Let alcohol become your truth serum. If you're about to start a sentence with: " I've always wanted to tell you/ask you..." You are in the danger zone.
DO: Make some effort with your secret Santa gift. It doesn't have to be expensive. But think about the person and what they like.
DON'T: Buy something outrageously risque; for the shy girl in accounting you barely know. You might find it hilarious but she might not.
DO: Take the time to let people know how much you've appreciated their hard work throughout the year.
DON'T: sleep with your boss because he/she paid you a compliment. Speaking of which… Every Christmas party yields at least one co-worker hook up. It might seem like a super fun idea at the time, but when everyone's talking about how you boned in the supply cupboard the week after it's not such a fun time.
Watch the video for the full interview.
