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Survival Guide to Festive Season Parties

By Paul Cook

Well, it’s November and the festive season is nearly upon us…again.  I have been torn in the past between really looking forward to a Christmas party and also dreading the whole experience.

Surely the point is that this is a time to celebrate and let your hair down, to hell with what the world thinks and on with the party and we can deal with any consequences later?

On the plus side a celebration provides you with:   

• Lots to eat and drink (unless you company is budget challenged and is cutting costs)
• Great company (other than your own of course)
• A chance to speak your mind and really tell your boss what you think of him/her (after all this is a social occasion!)
• Good entertainment
• A party that is usually paid for by your company 

There are of course a few negatives:

• You have a little too much to eat and drink and end up feeling sick
• You discover that the firm has decided it will be nice for you to network and you end up sitting with that strange bloke from accounts all night (no offence to the accounts department!).  You think can’t they just let us mix with our team mates
• You really do tell your boss/colleagues what you think – as a result of too much alcohol filled enthusiasm
• You end up becoming the entertainment as you were once told you are great at karaoke
• You find that your credit card is the one that guarantees the whole company booking
• You find that no one in the office is talking to you the next day

So a few tips from the survival experts 
Having a great time is absolutely fine and if you can’t party what is the point?  But , to help make sure that you keep your job at the end of the night, here are some tips:

DRINKING
- It is ok to miss a drink (no, really it is)
- If you cannot miss a drink or appear to (then have a colourless drink without the spirit)
- It is ok to say NO

SAYING WHAT YOU THINK 
As you are never off duty at a social work do’s, ALWAYS think before you speak. Back in the office you will still need to work alongside your colleagues.  Biting your tongue and smiling even it seems wrong can sometimes be a very useful remedy to help.

IF YOU ARE THE BOSS
If you are the top boss please leave before the end of the event – it is only polite after all.

As an employer, make sure that your staff can return home safely, your responsibility doesn’t end when you leave the office.  Your actions are just as critical as those of your staff.  Don’t expect any real output the day after the party (as many people will be re-living their war stories). 

PRESENTS
Don’t provide someone else with their Christmas prezzies by losing yours.  Handbags and valuables taken from chairs or coat pockets while you are all on the dance floor seems too obvious to mention – but call it our gift to you this season.

…And Finally
Have a great time, you have earned it.  Our examples might be a little over the top – but we know from experience that much happens at parties that can come back to haunt us.

About the Author
Paul Cook, MD of Clarity Event Insurance, is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and has many years of insurance knowledge. Clarity has years of experience of making corporate event, wedding and other insurance easy and simple. Paul is also Meeting Professionals International (MPI) UK Chapter President 2007/08 with a wide range of events experience up his sleeve.

For more information on Clarity Event Insurance, click here.