PSOW Pamela Eyring Shares Tips with Business Insider: To Rock This Year’s Holiday Work Party, Be Sure to Avoid These 9 Mistakes
In a recent story on the nine mistakes to avoid making at a work event, the editorial team at Business Insider tapped perspectives from top etiquette experts, including PSOW’s own Pamela Eyring.
As the story shares on the importance of etiquette awareness, “No one wants to be that coworker. You know, the one everyone talks about after a work party.”
Holiday gatherings in a professional environment are an ideal way to meet with colleagues outside of your normal corporate routines and a way to build new connections socially and for your career. While the majority of parties will go well, it’s important to keep in mind that a few faux pas can really put a damper on holiday cheer and impressions to people who matter.
Pamela advised to start by knowing what to wear, and not to go too informal:
"Before you go to the work party, think about what you're going to wear," she said. For example, you don't want to dress like you're going to a nightclub.
When in doubt, avoid styles you'd be uncomfortable wearing to work during the day. You can also try checking the event's invitation for a dress code.
In addition to dressing professionally, though, Eyring also emphasized the importance of communicating the dress code to any guests you bring.
It may seem intimidating in this social element to approach the senior leadership like any other member of the office, so some people avoid it . This is a mistake, Pamela notes:
"A lot of people avoid senior leaders, like the president, CEO, or even their boss's boss" at work events and parties, Eyring said.
But instead of being fearful of saying hello, she told BI that guests should use this opportunity to make their presence known to senior leaders.
If you're unsure of what to say, try referencing something they've shared recently — or simply thank them for hosting the party.
In addition to building up the confidence to give polite salutations to the senior leaders, the office party is no time to be a wall flower. So avoid sitting out on the fun and ignoring planned activities.
"If there's a DJ or band, prepare to get up and dance, even if you don't like to or don't think you are good at it," Eyring told BI. "If there are activities, participate."
After all, this is your opportunity to connect with coworkers and show them a lighter side of you that they may not always get to experience in the workplace.
Another no-no? Hiding behind your phone instead of socializing - be sure to engage even if you’re anxious in doing so. Mixing and mingling provides a chance to network and get to know people at the company.
Not sure how to chat with colleagues outside the office? Start by avoiding sensitive topic like politics and religion - and stay safe with low-stakes conversations about family, vacations, and hobbies.
Towards the end of the evening - avoid being the person who closes the place down and be polite by following the cue when the majority of people start to leave or at the designated ending for the party, especially if it’s at a venue where staff will be eager to start cleaning up once everyone is gone.
Leaving right on time, connecting in meaningful ways, acting appropriately with moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages and participating in a way that shows you are enjoying yourself and appreciate the efforts made by the organizers of the party are all great steps to have a meaningful time at the holiday party this year. They will also help you to avoid being the coworker everyone talks about the following Monday!
Read the full story at: https://www.businessinsider.com/things-not-to-do-at-work-event-mistakes-etiquette-experts and reach out to our etiquette experts anytime you have a question about work parties or social events! Happy holidays!