How to Navigate Your Work Holiday Party: Etiquette and Expectations

It is the most wonderful time of the year! As we approach the very end of 2024, workplaces are preparing to shut things down for a few weeks until we can come back and hit the ground running in 2025.

During December, if you work in the corporate space, you are likely to be invited to your workplace holiday or Christmas party; here is a simple but clear list of the etiquette and expectations that you need to know before the party even starts.

What is the Purpose of a Work Holiday Party?

To understand how you are expected to behave at a work holiday party, it is helpful to first understand the purpose of these events.

A work holiday party celebrates the year that was

No one likes working in a place where your team’s achievements are recognised. After a year together working towards the same common goal, a holiday party is a great moment to stop and reflect on the year and how you got to where you are together. It’s a great opportunity to show gratitude for the people who helped you get there.

A work holiday party helps create connections among your team

Depending on how big your team is, there may be people you don’t get to connect with on a day-to-day basis. The work holiday party is, once again, an opportunity to speak with those you don’t get to talk to every day. Maybe going into the new year, you have stronger connections with your coworkers because of your interactions at the holiday party.

A work holiday party helps boost morale

The last month of the year can feel like a drag. The finish line is so close, yet it can feel so far away. A work holiday party is a nice way to break up the month but also to give everyone one last thing to look forward to before the holidays really get started.

With these things in mind, there are a few things just to remember as you head into your holiday party this year.

How should I dress for a work holiday party?

As a rule of thumb, dress to impress.

If your workplace has a dress code for their event, adhere to it. If there is no set dress code, check in with your co-workers to ensure that you are in line with them. A work holiday party is a celebration of the year, and therefore, dressing up is respectful.

It is better overdress, then underdress.

How much can I drink at a work holiday party?

Whilst it can be tempting, drinking at a work holiday party should be kept within reason. A glass or two of wine is completely fine, but recognise where your personal limits are. This is not the place to be trialling those limits.

What are the social expectations of a work holiday party?

At a work holiday party you should work the room

Try and talk to as many people as possible, whilst not every conversation needs to be very deep, saying hi and holding polite conversation is important. If you stick to your corner and don’t socialise much, this will be remembered and noticed by others.

At a work holiday party, be respectful of cultural and religious differences

Some workplaces will have a Christmas party, some will have a holiday party. Whilst the premise is the same, it is respectful to remember that not everyone shares as the same cultural background. Be respectful and considerate of the differences in your team.

At a work holiday party, don’t talk shop

You can talk to your coworkers about work all the year. This is your opportunity to connect with them outside of a purely collaborative relationship with you. It’s not the time to complain about a client or make tasks requests to other members of the team.

At a work holiday party, make an effort not to exclude people

Socialising is not everyone’s idea of a fun time, and holiday parties can be stressful for the introverts around us. Whilst they may not speak out as much in these settings, it is helpful and important that you still see and acknowledge those team members. Try and bring them into conversation.

At a work holiday party, don’t forget to maintain professionalism

While the setting is more relaxed than your usual setting with your coworkers, that doesn’t mean professionalism should disappear. Be conscious of the topic of conversation, and don’t bring up inappropriate discussion. Feel free to steer the conversation elsewhere if someone tries to discuss something inappropriate with you.

What is the most important thing to do at a work holiday party?

Enjoy it! You only get one a year, so take the pressure off yourself and enjoy coming together with your team to celebrate the year of hard work you have done.

Take the time to thank those who organised the event, and have some fun!

Start the new year in a role you actually love

empire group are a specialist recruitment agency with offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. We help professionals to advance their careers across legal support jobs, legal professional jobs, technology jobs, corporate jobs, risk and governance jobs, eDiscovery jobs, within both the temporary employment and permanent employment market.

If you are looking to make your next career or business decision reach out to empire group today at 07 3231 1200, or email administration@empiregroup.com.au, or visit: https://www.empiregroup.com.au/contact-us/ to be connected with one of our great recruiters.