Cassie Sacks, MD at we.people: How to survive the Christmas party with a dose of diginity
The Christmas Party is fast approaching and whilst it’s a good excuse to unwind with colleagues someplace more sophisticated than the water cooler, it’s also an end of year celebration that can end up leaving some with a little more than regret. we.people managing director Cassie Sacks shares her silly season survival guide to get you through the office x-mas party with poise, respect and more importantly, a job intact.
Another Round on The Boss
Sure, the boss might owe you a drink; especially after the all-nighter you pulled to crack that all-impossible client brief, but just because there’s a free bar on tap, it doesn’t mean you should ride the goodwill train all night long. Set a drinks limit, pace yourself with water, and know your limits – no one needs to remember you slurring your words or tripping over your own stilettos.
Office Gossip Politics
There’s nothing like a jovially drink to get people in the mood for telling it ‘like it is’. With a little Dutch courage, make sure you don’t start an all out war with the girl on level four. Sure, it might be tempting to air your frustrations in the glow of cocktail candidness but there’s no point in leaving yourself open to a HR whipping come Monday morning.
Dress Code Check
While the x-mas office party offers a great excuse to get dolled up or dressed down, it’s certainly not the time to try out that gold spandex suit or low plunging neckline. You can still feel glam or adventurous wearing something you’d deem ‘everyday appropriate’ in the company of your boss – remember, they can’t un-see your fashion faux pas and you shouldn’t encourage boardroom gossip on your crimes against public indecency.
Don’t Be A Paparazzi
At all costs, it’s time to put the phone down and give yourself (and your colleagues) a respite from the 11pm selfie – poor Mark from accounts doesn’t want to turn up tagged in a sloshed group shot the morning after. Sure you guys might look like you’re having a ball but now is really not the time to build up that Instagram following for all the wrong reasons. The same goes for ranting or complaining – consider there are earnest ramifications if your words or actions are defamatory.
An Early-Bird Exit
There’s not much you’ll miss out on once the clock strikes midnight, plus it’s probably best to leave with dignity before the crowd gets messy around you. Make sure you have a safe plan to get home. If you have a pre-planned exit strategy, it will also be easier to stick to, especially if you’re the kind who lets the party vibe get the better of you. Remember, being the last man/woman standing isn’t going to earn you the same points as being the last one to leave the office on a balmy weekday afternoon.
6 Comments
this is all the kind of stuff that makes christmas parties interesting. why would you want to cut it out. sheesh.
Totally agree with the comment above. Booooring.
“There’s not much you’ll miss out on once the clock strikes midnight, plus it’s probably best to leave with dignity before the crowd gets messy around you. Make sure you have a safe plan to get home.”
I feel like this is the kind of thing my dad would have said to me, circa Year 9
Dear Cassie
Our Christmas party this year is on a boat. It’s not a dress up party but I was I was thinking of dressing like a pirate. Do you think that’s a good idea?
Thanks.
I feel like i need to rebel against this
I’ve got better things to do than post pointless comments on Campaign Brief. But here I am, posting pointless comments on Campaign Brief. What’s wrong with me? Lots.
A joint lack of dignity is bonding. You can’t buy that sort of camaraderie.