No one wants to be the tipsy colleague who makes inappropriate comments at the office party and comes home on Monday morning with their eyes glued to the floor. Even though times change and morals evolve, there are golden rules of etiquette.
Christmas is coming, it’s the end of the year and the boss invites his troops to celebrate at the annual office party. Whether accompanied or not, the context of this meeting remains professional, recalls Erika Roy, etiquette consultant.
“Even though it’s a social event, the party remains an extension of the office,” she says. I think we should keep this in mind when it comes to clothing and alcohol consumption. »
Consumption of alcohol is precisely THE trap to avoid. According to the three label specialists interviewed, this is the most frequent error, which reoccurs year after year. “Depending on our tolerance, it is better to stick to one or two glasses,” says Marianne Camirand, consultant in modern etiquette. We don’t want to be the employee who consumes too much and who no longer has control over what he says or does! »
When it comes to food, it’s a bit the same thing, warns Ms. Roy. The idea is not to stuff yourself at the buffet or constantly have your mouth full. “We can even eat a little before leaving,” she advises.
For Julie Blais-Comeau, etiquette specialist, the most important thing is to mingle with others and take advantage of this opportunity to network. “The office party is a celebration to allow us to build or strengthen ties,” she emphasizes. The employer chooses to invest time and money into this event. If there is an office party, we should go, and if we go, we should actively participate in the party. »
That doesn’t mean “stealing the show,” she slips, but being a “sower of joy.” “We compliment, we congratulate, we get news,” says Ms. Blais-Comeau.
Are we caught off guard when it comes to topics of conversation? We ask the other how they will spend the holiday season, what their favorite tradition is, their turkey recipe, etc. “In an era of equity, diversity and inclusion, it is best to avoid topics that invite conflict or appeal to our values,” points out Julie Blais-Comeau. We look for similarities, not differences! »
Thus, according to Erika Roy, four subjects should be avoided: politics, sex, religion and… work. “I would add that our health concerns should be avoided,” she specifies.
Ms. Camirand is of the same opinion: the office party is not the place to “settle files”. “We don’t talk business, we’re not here to settle scores. And we’re not giving a monologue either! It’s not for nothing that we have two ears and one mouth…”
The question of image rights is at the heart of these informal social gatherings: the use of photos, videos or personal information should be governed rigorously and respectfully on social networks. “You have to think of the office party as being like a reality TV show that can be watched on repeat,” says Ms. Blais-Comeau. Anything we say or do could be recorded or filmed by someone… and go viral. »
Of course, there is also a code of ethics that we can adopt ourselves… but we do not have control over the behavior and actions of others. “You must ask permission before publishing anything,” argues Julie Blais-Comeau, “otherwise there may be damage to your reputation. »
She uses the “two fridges” test: could what we want to post (photo, video, comment) be displayed on our fridge at home, would we be comfortable with our visitors seeing it? ? Same thing for the office fridge: would we agree with displaying it in front of colleagues, clients and bosses?
“If the answer is yes, that’s perfect,” she says, “but if in doubt, abstain! »
Last rule, and not least: thank the organizers. Whether on site, by email the next day or, even better, by a handwritten note left on the desk of the person responsible. “We know, organizing the office party is a lot of work! Showing your gratitude is the least you can do,” concludes Marianne Camirand.