I’m an HR expert — here’s everything you shouldn’t do at an office holiday party
A HR expert has warned what not to do at your work Christmas party — and says to ‘avoid oversharing and don’t mix business and romance’.
Melissa Stone, 43 — a HR professional with more than 20 years of experience — says it can take years to build up your reputation at work but one night to undo it all.
While Christmas parties should be fun, Melissa reminds they are still workplace events and shouldn’t be treated like personal gatherings.
Melissa, a HR director and career coach, from County Wexford, Ireland, said: “Building a reputation at work as a skilled, trustworthy and competent professional takes time and effort.
“Yet one night at the office Christmas party can undo all that hard work in the space of a few hours.
“For some, the damage can be irreversible, causing heartbreaking consequences and damage to their future career prospects.
“The truth is, while Christmas parties are fun, festive, and a great opportunity to bond with your colleagues, they are still workplace events and shouldn’t be treated the same as personal gatherings or non-work celebrations.”
Brits are well known for their love of a pint, but Melissa is warning people not to overindulge in alcohol in front of their bosses.
She said: “A few glasses of mulled wine here or there may seem innocent enough, but don’t overindulge.
“If you really want to ‘party’, a workplace function is not the time or the place.
“As a HR Director, I’ve seen first-hand where alcohol-fuelled incidents have led to workplace investigations, and for some, their untimely dismissal as a consequence of a claim of harassment.”
Melissa says it’s important to make sure the event you are at is organised by your workplace.
She added if you think certain comments of behaviour wouldn’t be appropriate in the office they are still inappropriate at the party.
She said: “Comments or behaviour that wouldn’t be acceptable in the office – such as inappropriate jokes, gossip, offensive comments, or imposing dancing – can lead to serious consequences.
“Your company likely has policies that state as much, and remind you that you still need to adhere to these internal policies or codes of conduct.
“If you breach these, you might find yourself in hot water before you even see Christmas Day.”
Melissa suggests back in the day mistletoe may have been hung from the office ceiling – but claims those days are over.
She says most people don’t want to have any sort of physical contact with someone in their office other than a handshake – let alone an unwelcome kiss.
Melissa said: “Mistletoe aside, office romances can be a delicate topic, and the Christmas party is definitely not the place to initiate them.
“Even if it goes right, it can make others around you uncomfortable.
“If it all goes wrong, it can harm your professional reputation when your otherwise innocent gesture quickly turns into a grievance of unwelcome conduct at the Christmas party.”
If it all goes wrong and you do mess up at your Christmas party, Melissa says it’s important to own up and apologise where necessary.
And most importantly, avoid making the same mistakes next time.
She said: “If you do make a mistake at the Christmas party, take ownership and address it as quickly as you can.
“Apologise where necessary, and ensure you learn from the experience to avoid repeating it at the next event.”
What not to do at your work Christmas party –
- Don’t overindulge on alcohol
- Avoid oversharing
- Don’t forget you are still at work
- Don’t mix business and romance
- Don’t ignore the dress code
- Don’t post without consent
