10 Ways to Avoid Being "The Talk of the Office" at the Holiday Party - by Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca

It's that time of year again; it's getting colder outside, Christmas music is taking over the radio, and the office Holiday party is just around the corner. We all have heard the horror stories, or know of that one person who enjoyed the eggnog a little too much and ended up acting completely inappropriate. Proper office party etiquette should be common sense, however according to the statistics below, company staff seem to need a refresher on how to stay out of trouble.

A recent survey of office holiday party goers, conducted by TorontoJobs.ca found that:

77% of party attendees have witnessed extreme cases of intoxication by co-workers

64% observed co-workers inappropriately dressed for the occasion

52% of party goers observed unsuitable behavior (co-workers flirting, verbal fights, etc.)

Given the stats, TorontoJobs.ca felt it was necessary to emphasize how to act appropriately at the annual party. Our top 10 include:

1. Eat, drink and be merry - but in moderation. Excessive drinking could be cause for an awkward situation come Monday morning in the office.
2. Leave the mistletoe at home. The office party is not the place to flirt and try to find a date for New Year's Eve!
3. RSVP yes. Don't pass up the invitation to the annual holiday party; not attending could hurt your reputation.
4. Watch your words. Just because the setting is more relaxed, doesn't mean your language should be. More people than you think take offense to profane language.
5. Dress appropriately. The office party isn't the right place to show off your new mini skirt or backless dress.
6. Absolutely no gossiping about other coworkers. You never know who is listening. Keep in mind that with the evolution of social networking; news travels fast!
7. Take the office party as an opportunity to get to know your coworkers. Create conversation that doesn't involve business - show your coworkers that you have a life outside of the office.
8. Give thanks. Be sure to thank your boss and whoever hosted/organized the party before leaving. You don't want to be remembered for being rude.
9. Avoid controversial topics such as politics and religion. The office party is a time for relaxing, not heated discussions.
10. Don't overstay your welcome. Arrive shortly after the start time and mingle, but don't overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours of the night.

Thanks to www.torontojobs.ca for this contribution.