Christmas party season is here: How not to get fired

’TIS the season to be jolly and with the party season in full swing, many of us are already feeling festive. But it’s also the season to be wary.

RendezView. Christmas shots. (Pics: iStock)

‘TIS the season to be jolly and with the party season in full swing, many of us are already feeling festive.

And while the offer of drinks and office gossip may seem appealing, it’s also the season to be wary especially when it comes to the office Christmas party.

It pays to be aware of your behaviour, especially when the boss and your managers are around.

At least that’s the view of Melbourne-based HR specialist Karen Gately, who warns workers to err on the side of caution during the festive season.

The People’s Manager’s Toolkit author said bad behaviour could result in you losing your job.

Ms Gately said while some see the office Christmas party as a once-a-year opportunity to let loose with colleagues, issues can arise that result in bosses and HR departments working overtime.

“Year after year I observe people making the same mistakes at times with devastating consequences for their reputation and career,” she said.

Ms Gately added the list of ‘no go’ behaviours was long and varied.

So if you want a job to come back to in the new year try and avoid the following mistakes.

1. DRINKING EXCESSIVELY:

Ms Gately said it’s fine to have a few drinks with your colleagues but make sure you remain in control of your behaviour.

“When intoxicated you are more likely to behave in ways you will later regret including stepping over boundaries you otherwise wouldn’t,” she said.

Have fun this Christmas, but don’t clown around too much.

2. BEING SEXUALLY OVERT:

This includes everything from unwelcome advances, public declarations of lust and ‘getting it on’ on the dance floor.

“Grinding your way through 70s classics may seem fun in the moment but is unlikely to help your career,” Ms Gately said.

3. BROADCASTING DISAPPROVAL:

It’s great you’ve got an opinion but really the boss doesn’t need to hear your opinion over the choice of venue.

“Likewise, vocalising your distaste with the choice of event or catering is unlikely to be well received,” Ms Gately said.

“You will be especially unpopular if you choose to complain publicly.”

4. DRESSING PROVOCATIVELY:

When it comes to party dress code the tip here is to dress appropriately.

Ms Gately said dressing in ways that make other people uncomfortable can make them question your judgment or moral standards.

“The outfit you choose reflects not only your fashion sense but also your judgment skills,” she said.

“Assess what is culturally appropriate for your organisation and dress accordingly. Understand the dress code for the event and meet it.”

5. ARRIVING LATE:

This is something most of us are guilty of at some stage and yes it is fine to be a little late.

However, turning up well into the event is rude and likely to be frowned upon, according to Ms Gately. She also warns sneaking in during the speeches to a meal that has gone cold waiting for you will probably be noticed.

HR specialist Karen Gately said some workers were guilty of making the same mistakes every year.

6. SNEAKING OUT EARLY:

Another big no, no that won’t go down if the boss finds out.

“It’s important to attend and stay for the majority of the event whenever possible,” Ms Gately said.

“If you need to leave early let someone know preferably before the day.”

7. STARTING ARGUMENTS:

Okay it’s been a long year and you’re still sour about your messy desk mate, but Ms Gately said the party is really not a good idea to bring it up.

Instead she said if you have a problem with a colleague hold your tongue and deal with it at a more appropriate time.

8. TELLING THE BOSS WHAT YOU REALLY THINK:

Again another big no, no and as tempting as it may be the Christmas party is not a good time to deliver constructive feedback to your manager.

Ms Gately said doing it while drunk can have disastrous ramifications for your career come Monday morning and it pays to do so in a sober state.

9. OVERSHARING:

When it comes to personal details, some aspects of your personal life are best kept to yourself, Ms Gately said.

“While it’s great to build close relationships with your colleagues choosing to share too much information about your love life or the last bucks trip you went on can leave people questioning your maturity or ability to be discreet,” she said.