Many companies have started requiring workers to return to the office, which also means being expected to attend corporate events again. But striking a balance between having fun and remaining professional can be difficult.
Etiquette mistakes are common at company holiday parties. Business Insider asked Diane Gottsman, a professional etiquette expert, to share the mistakes to watch out for when attending these gatherings.
Skipping the holiday party
Gottsman said that though you might prefer to spend your time elsewhere, attending these events is an extension of your professional brand.
"I call it mandatory festivities or mandatory fun because it shows that you are engaged with your company," she said. "It's telling your boss that you care about your position in the firm — you're a team player."
Drinking too much
Gottsman advised restricting how much you drink, even if everyone else, including your boss, is indulging.
"This isn't the time to get drunk and lose your credibility because you still have to go to work on Monday," she told BI.
Feeling pressured to drink
On the other hand, don't feel compelled to drink if you don't want to.
"If you don't drink for whatever reason, you don't have to give an excuse or a reason," Gottsman said.
If you're more comfortable sticking with a seltzer or soda, do that.
Sending in your RSVP late
An RSVP invitation means the host is counting heads to ensure they have enough food, drinks, and place settings. That's why it's important to respond in a timely manner.
Gottsman said an RSVP also means you've made a commitment that you shouldn't back out on.
Being the first to leave — or overstaying your welcome
It's best not to rush out the door at a corporate holiday party. Gottsman told BI that leaving too early can make it look like you're eager to get out, which doesn't leave a great impression.
"If you get there and you leave 20 minutes later, people are going to notice," she said.
She added that you shouldn't overstay your welcome. If you're still at the event half an hour after it ends, you've stayed too long.
If you'd like to continue spending time with your coworkers, take the party elsewhere.
Not mixing and mingling
Use the opportunity of a holiday party to build existing relationships and meet new people, such as clients, vendors, or other coworkers you don't know well.
"You shouldn't be sitting," Gottsman told BI. "You should be mixing and mingling unless you're eating. But if you are seated and someone walks up to you, you always want to stand for an introduction."
If the event has name tags, grab one. "Name tags are memory tools," Gottsman said. "They go on the right side of your shoulder to follow the line of sight of a handshake."
