Appraisals to Nites of Indulgence!

Top ten office party do nots

"Appraisals are where you get together with your team leader or manager and agree what an outstanding member of the team you are, how much your contribution has been valued, what massive potential you have and, in recognition of this, would you mind having your salary halved?"

This observation by British comedian Guy Browning may strike a chord with each of us.

The annual appraisal process is underway in several organisations. Incidentally, it is also a time of the year when emotions rules high among the workforce thus, resulting in putting their papers and walk out for better alternatives.

The unique secrecy of one's appraisal from colleagues gives an impression that each person has got a better deal! So whatever your ratings are or if you are yet to be appraised then just keep your fingers crossed.

And once all such exercise are over put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the rhythm of music with the accompanying psychedelic and lazer display. From rock to hip-hop, from reggae to bhangra - you ask for it and the DJ will do his best to entertain you. Pick up a glass of chilled beer or a goblet of mocktail and say - Cheers!

Parties are a morale-booster for the workforce. These are opportunities to have face time with higher-ups. These are also avenues to build goodwill and to network within colleagues.

Parties are a way of recognising that there really is a community within the organisation - that it is more than just people who sit next to each other and get the company's work out of the door. They are the way of strengthening ties.

Many employers worldwide consider it to be a faux pas when employees skip the company party. Experts say that it is important to show up since it transmits a positive image that an individual is a part of a group which matters to him/her.

However, experts also caution that getting too loose-tongued at a company party can hurt others as well as you. They say free flow of alcohol is often the culprit causing employees to drink and drive or sexually harass colleagues. If you are unable to hold your drinks it can make you say or act in an offencive manner that eventually lands you in trouble.

Have a great party ahead but at the same time be on your guard. Now, if you intend to escape the company party or even indulge in drinking then just think twice!

Top 10 Office Party Do Nots

Do not drink too much. Even if you can handle your alcohol, limit yourself to one drink.

Do not treat the office party as a singles bar. an office party gives you the chance to see another side of your co-worker.

Do not flirt or act in a sexually provocative manner.

Do not wear suggestive clothing. It is okay to wear more of festive clothing (sparkles and sequins), but if you would not wear it to the office, you should not wear it to the office party.

Do not let your guard down. Relax at office parties, but do not reveal things about yourself that you might not want your co-worker to know.

Do not use foul language. Although you may feel comfortable at the office party, be sure to keep bad language in check. It can make you look unprofessional.

Do not bring uninvited guests. Do not assume it is okay to bring your significant other or someone else without asking first.

Do not underestimate your guest's behaviour. Be sure to invite someone who will behave appropriately.

Source: Dawn Rosenberg Mckay, from www.about.com's Guide to Career Planning

Finally, I am not trying to police morals! I was provoked to write this after reading few articles and attending such parties over the years.