Dec 12, 2007 4:11 pm US/Eastern
What's OK At The Office Holiday Party?
MINNEAPOLIS (CBS) ―
Surveys show most workplaces are still planning Christmas parties, even though money's tight. They are a rare opportunity to raise a glass and celebrate with co-workers and there's a lot of advice about making sure your party doesn't go from nice to naughty.
"We're all wondering who's going to cut loose, get liquored up and provide the entertainment," said a woman in a YouTube video.
As for the craziest thing she'd ever seen at a holiday party, one woman in downtown Minneapolis said, "One of the employee's spouses was walking around taking the ties off all the guys and giving them a little dance."
When it comes to holiday gatherings, the experts told CBS station WCCO-TV in Minneapolis we should think "business hours", not "party time".
The place where a lot of people go wrong: too much alcohol. The top office party tips are watch the booze and dress appropriately.
"Low cut tops, high skirts, ... not good," said a man in downtown Minneapolis. "Well, depends on how you look at it, I guess."
Either way, don't flirt with your colleagues.
"Some people don't follow that rule, but that's the truth," a man said.
Experts also recommend talking about something besides work issues. Surveys show employees' top party regrets are drinking too much, forgetting a colleague's name, sucking up to the boss, making out with a colleague and gossiping about a co-worker.
It never hurts to leave before you really make a fool of yourself.
The biggest regret about the holiday office party is deciding not to show up. Workplace experts said office parties are a great way for lower-level employees to introduce themselves to more senior-level people.
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