Q&A with new Professional Services Director, Helen Winklemann
November 11, 2016Friday Afternoon Solutions
November 11, 2016FEATURE
End of Year Parties – Tips and Tricks
Every year we’re warned about the risks of Christmas Parties, but there’s always someone who throws caution to the wind, dances drunk on the tables, harasses a colleague or ends up with mysterious injuries they can’t explain! While it can be entertaining to read stories about silly antics and drunken shenanigans after the event, we’d rather our members stayed safe, enjoyed the festive season (and its aftermath!) and didn’t end up embroiled in legal claims at the end of it all. So here are our top 3 tips and tricks for this year.
If you’re the boss, behave!
The end of year party isn’t about you – it’s about acknowledging your staff, their hard work and how they support you in a safe and relaxing environment. Don’t make the mistake of going out harder than the rest: of course, you may need to let down your guard a little so everyone else can relax, but if something goes wrong you’ll need to step up, so keep your wits about you.
Know yourself, and find a wingman
You’re self-aware, right? You know when you’re tired and emotional at the end of a busy year, and you know if you’re a messy/affectionate/sleepy drunk… so plan for the things you’ll regret and set up a back-up plan. If you’re a drunken texter, turn off your phone (or better still, don’t take it!). If you’re not going to be able to get home, book somewhere to stay. And if you know you aren’t quite so good at filtering your communications after a few shandies, word up a wingman (or wingwoman) who will be able to step in before you do or say something you regret.
Don’t fish in your own pond
We’re realists – workplace romance is a reality, and we all know end of year party hook ups that have ended well. But even if you really like that colleague of yours, Christmas Party night probably isn’t the time to tell them for the first time – least of all if there’s any chance your advances won’t be welcome. If you think it’s meant to be, ask them on a date: a non-work related setting is probably more appropriate if you want to test those waters. dr.