Not many things are as eagerly anticipated as the end of year office party. This is the one time you’ll want to go all out to thank your employees for a job well done, so the event should provide real value for money as well as a good time for all concerned. In fact, the end of year office bash is also a very good way of saying thank you to customers, clients and suppliers, but it is surprising how many businesses don’t make the most of what should be a good opportunity for networking, for cementing existing relationships and forging new ones.
If guests have been invited, it is a good idea to make certain that the staff are given information on the people coming so that they can open conversations and introduce them to other guests. There is nothing more cringe-worthy than a visiting MD being asked, “So what department do you work in?” Also it is vital that employees don’t just huddle together in a corner or only talk to the clients they know well. Even the end of year bash is a business party first and a social event second, and the whole point is to get to know new people, so they should all circulate! However it is a party so they shouldn’t just talk shop, although talking about sex or money is generally considered crass. Politics should also be avoided because of the impassioned opinions it usually brings forth even if avoiding this may be difficult in our current climate. I’ll also add football to this list as Kenyans have taken to English footie in such a fashion that supporting a rival club can sometimes result in grievous bodily harm.
If you wish to get a little amorous with a co-worker remember you are on show to everyone at the party and you don’t want to do anything you’ll regret later on or fodder for gossip. Keep your hands to yourself and stick to being friendly and professional on the night. Whilst it is essential to provide plenty of food and drink – too much drink can cause problems. In the words of one expert, "Alcohol should supplement the party, complement your party, but never dominate your party! In fact it is a good idea to alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water and pace yourself. You can always hit your local afterwards for a stronger nightcap. And whatever you do as the host, don't ever encourage people to get drunk! Also don’t be that guy closing the party at 4am in the morning when the cleaners are coming in. By midnight you should have had your fun, call it a night or take the party elsewhere. And regardless of how many vodka tonics you had the previous night, if the following day is a work day you still need to show up.
There may very well be a dress code but in the end it is up to each individual to decide what sort of an impression they want to make and what sort of company image they wish to project. But it is as well to remember that notwithstanding the free flowing alcohol it is a company event. If Black Tie is not specified then a suit with a tie for men and a smart, elegant outfit for ladies should suffice. This is the time you can dress up and put on the glitz if you feel like it, but again, it is best not to go over the top. The rule of thumb for the ladies says it is best not to flash too much flesh.
If you are ‘the boss’ then you cannot afford to be the life and soul of the office party. In a small business where everyone works together and there is no real hierarchy ‘the boss’ will usually mingle easily with everybody. If, on the other hand the organisation is large and most of the directors don’t have day to day dealings with their staff, it can be quite inhibiting if the CEO comes to the party as people might feel they should be on their best behaviour. In that case the CEO and other board members should put in an appearance at the beginning of the evening but not linger too long so that the other employees can enjoy themselves. If staff are allowed to bring partners to the party, this can be tough on some husbands and wives, as they can feel quite left out if the conversation is continually about office politics or gossip. If they are invited, it is up to their partners who work there to look after them and introduce them to other members of staff and make sure they are not left out. Hey, ever seen that episode of “The Office” where David Brent does his boogie? By all means cut loose on the dance floor but don’t create a spectacle!
No comments:
Post a Comment