Now that the holiday season has arrived, your company may be planning a party to celebrate the end of a hardworking year.
"People like to work with people they know so take this opportunity to let down your hair a little," Helene Wasserman, an attorney for Littler, an international firm focused exclusively on labor and employment laws, tells us.
Although you'll be hanging out with people you work with and there's a good chance alcohol will be involved, the holiday party is still a professional event.
According to Wasserman, it's not uncommon to get harassment claims around the holiday season. She blames it on the alcohol.
"The best way to survive is to remember that you're still at work and the rules still apply," Wasserman says. "If you're talking to your boss and a drink is in your hand, he's still your boss."
Alcohol or no alcohol, we compiled some tips from Wasserman and other experts to help you survive your office party — and keep your job.
Don't even think about skipping the party.
While you work away all year, spending even more hours with your co-workers might not sound too fun, but blowing off an office soiree is not the best choice to make.
To show that you're committed to the company, make sure you show up for at least 30 minutes. Always assume company gatherings are "must attend" events.
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...But also don't show up on time.
Even if the party takes place at the office, Drew Magary at GQ advises to go home after work, then come back. If you can't do that, just continue working until you see that 75 percent of your colleagues have turned on their holiday mode. Magary writes:
"You know who shows up on time? That one creepy lady who works in human resources who you never talk to. Now it's just you two, standing there while the DJ spins 'Gangnam Style.' "
Don't forget that company's dress, behavior and harassment policies still apply — even if its off-site.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
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