Employers using workplace parties to judge employee behaviour

Workplace experts have revealed what your employer is really thinking during the annual office Christmas party and what you should avoid at all costs.

While workplace parties are supposed to be relaxing social events between co-workers, a word of warning – they are also opportunities to be judged and assessed by your higher-ups.

Experts in the working world have revealed that upcoming Christmas get-togethers around the office are just as much a chance for employees to be assessed and evaluated as they are for workers to enjoy themselves.

Dean Salakas, who runs leading Aussie party supplier The Party People, has experience in assisting with office parties across various industries in the country.

Mr Salakas told news.com.au that, while employers only have so much power over an employee’s attitude, any work event is a chance to review a worker’s behaviour.

“You’re always evaluating your employees at all levels,” he said. “A Christmas party would be no exception.”

Christmas parties are an opportunity for your bosses to judge your place in the company. Picture: CareerOne

Mr Salakas suggested that budget cuts and a lack of regular workplace gatherings has put more pressure on the events that employers do organise.

“You’re spending money, you need to get a result from that,” he said.

“Corporations are more budget-conscious … 10 years ago, there used to be common ‘end of month’ parties. You don’t see them anymore.”

Mr Salakas said that there are several ways to make a bad impression at a work party, from drinking too much alcohol to even ordering the wrong meal.

“Let’s say for example, you have an open bar, or there might be meals involved – I wouldn’t always be picking the most expensive thing,” he said.

“Because it certainly creates a negative impression with the boss, that this person is just taking advantage of the company and spending its money.”

Experts advise not to let your attitude relax too much when at a work event. Picture: Supplied

“The reality is human beings are ingrained in their DNA to judge,” Jon Michail, group CEO of branding consultant Image Group International, told news.com.au.

Mr Michail, who advises both employers and employees, said that while you never know the kind of impression you’ll make at a social event, they’re important to attend if you want to climb the corporate ladder.

“If you have ambition and leadership aspirations, you gotta put yourself out there,” he said. “Part of the party concept is schmoozing.”

Mr Michail added that circumstances change depending on the nature of your job, so it is important to assess what standards you need to meet for your area of expertise.

“Every game has got rules, even if you’ve never been told,” he said.

Alcohol is one of the factors that can lead to irresponsible behaviour at an office party. Picture: iStock

However, he said that these concerns apply the most to those with disruptive attitudes outside of work – whether that be through excessive alcohol consumption or inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Michail said that he has seen examples of employees in high and low-ranking positions losing their careers and facing legal action over actions made at workplace parties, such as drug use and sexual misconduct.

For those who know how to act responsibly, he said, “You’ll be fine – but if you go into an environment where there’s trouble, expect trouble.

“You can go out there and have fun, including at office parties, at Christmas parties; but just be sensible. Know the risk standards, and know your reputation will be judged whether you like it or not.”