The work Christmas party is always a daunting one and for many, avoiding it or “pulling a sickie” can feel like the only option for those with high levels of anxiety about it.
An evening with your colleagues, where the alcohol is flowing can bring up all manner of anxieties, from worrying about drinking a little too much and making a fool of yourself, to worrying about drinking at all, a particular concern for those who have been through a rehab clinic and are trying to stay sober. Then there’s concerns of workplace crushes letting their feelings known, office politics and even that you have to socialise with people outside of the workplace.
Showing your face can be important though, especially if you are a senior member of staff, and there are a number of top tips to help you navigate it…
If you really don’t want to go but feel like you have to, then set yourself a goal and a particular time frame to turn up, do your duties and then leave.
By giving yourself a cut off time, and perhaps making up an excuse for that cut off, it will allow you to make a swift exit without being there until the bitter end.
If the Christmas party is broken down into different sections, for example a meal or a certain Christmas activities, following one of those is usually a good time to depart.
If drinking alcohol and being in the presence of the substance is the main concern you have when it comes to a Christmas party, then the chances are you won’t be the only one.
In larger companies especially, there will be others who don’t drink alcohol for a number of reasons, whether that be religious, choice or in recovery from addiction. By sitting and socialising with that group, you’ll not only avoid having alcohol on your tables or in your face, but you’ll also have a support network too.
One of the biggest fears people have is getting stuck with colleagues they don’t necessarily have anything in common with. Introducing the art of mingling. Set yourself a challenge of spending no more than a set period of time, perhaps 10 to 15 minutes, and work your way around the world.
This way you’re seen to look a social butterfly, but you’ll also not get stuck with someone for too long either.