How to use your work Christmas party to your career advantage

Amanda Rose shares the dos and don’ts of a strategic end-of-year work event.

Don’t waste your work Christmas party by actually partying.

It’s really a crucial, strategic opportunity, but a lot of people don’t use it.

Take advantage of the situation.

People’s guards are down, they are a bit more relaxed, so there are opportunities to have conversations about work, get to know people personally, build relationships, and talk to the people you haven’t spoken to ever or have always wanted to.

Have conversations with the corporate hierarchy.

It’s Christmas so you can break the ice by saying something like: What have you got planned for the holidays?

You could be around the drinks and food table and just say “hello” and introduce yourself.

If you know exactly who you want to speak to, go up and have a chat – they are only human, don’t be scared.

Don’t be the drunk one at the event, says Amanda Rose. Picture: Monique Harmer

Another way to break the ice is to wear something that makes you stand out.

It’s a great time to wear something bright or something Christmas related – maybe a sparkly jacket or a hat.

It does break the ice if you do something different.

Don’t be the drunk one. See it as a work function – because it is, and that’s often forgotten.

It’s not an opportunity to let your hair down and show the real you as a justification for being silly.

If you know you have done something silly on the night, stop and apologise.

If you find out the next day and had forgotten, again apologise.

But prevention is usually better than a cure.

It’s also a good idea to remember privacy boundaries, particularly if people are drinking.

Be aware of boundaries when it comes to photos and social media. Picture: iStock

Don’t be filming people. Yes, you can take photos – people might appreciate that – but be careful you don’t cross boundaries because not everyone wants their photo taken.

My other work Christmas party advice is to buy a gift for the host or your boss or the people there.

You want to bring a gift for the host just as you would for any party.

And finally, enjoy yourself.

You can still enjoy yourself in a work environment and get to know people without using it as justification for being silly.

Amanda Rose is a business consultant, workplace trainer, LinkedIn influencer and founder of six organisations – and now she is tackling your career questions for SMART Daily every week. Got a question? Send it to [e-mail]

Originally published as How to use your work Christmas party to your career advantage