Have a Drama-Free Holiday Party

In spite of the sputtering economy, most workplaces plan to have some sort of holiday party this year. Whether you’ll be part of a company sponsored fancy shindig or a no-frills bring-your-own- dish potluck, the same general rules of workplace etiquette apply. So here’s my refresher list:

FOR EMPLOYEES

Do assume your picture will be taken and will show up on someone’s social media page or the company’s intranet. Therefore dress and act accordingly. Be cognizant of how bad things can look out of context.

Do make sure you show up, and stay a reasonable amount of time.

Do mingle with people in departments with whom you normally don’t work.

Do limit alcohol to one drink (none is better).

Don’t talk about politics, sex, religion or anything depressing or disagreeable -like your health problems. The point is to have a good time. Safe topics include sports, movies, travel, hobbies, kids, family and, of course, pets.

Don’t talk shop (see above).

Don’t take more than your share of food or goodies. People notice this stuff.

Don’t flirt (do I need to say more?)

FOR EMPLOYERS

Do celebrate successes. This gathering is a great opportunity to highlight company gains and recognize employee achievements. Don’t waste it. Even if you had a bad year, celebrate the survivors. The point is to appreciate and acknowledge what you’ve shared.

Do become aware of cultural and religious diversity in your workforce. Be sensitive to those who may be fasting, or avoiding certain foods. Speaking of….

Do provide a wide range of food choices, including vegetarian, and vegan fare. I’m even seeing requests for gluten-free and sugar-free items.

Don’t provide alcohol. Or, limit it to one company-provided drink. It’s a huge liability.

Don’t pull rank, even if you’re the boss. This is one of the rare occasions when the formal hierarchy is blurred, and we see employees relating to each other more equally as people. I love to see unlikely pairings like the accounting manager and the maintenance guy talking about fishing; Or the office clerk and the VP of marketing sharing grandchildren stories.

Now that’s the holiday spirit! Enjoy.