What type of etiquette to follow while partying with your co-workers?

An office party can be a tricky affair. :) On one hand, you want to unwind and have fun with your co-workers, while on the other, you have to maintain a certain decorum at a workplace event. Things could go wrong if one does not keep a check on one's behaviour as a degree of professional conduct is expected in such get-togethers.

Is it obligatory to attend an office party or gathering? 

Let's say, you get invited to a co-workers private party, and the invitee is someone who is not a friend or not close with you. Feel comfortable to extend your best wishes and decline the invite politely.

However, if the invitee is a senior executive who has organised a companywide gathering, withdrawing from it may not be a good option, unless you have some compelling reasons. No-shows could be seen as non-team-players in such situations. Attending these could even add value to your position among your peers apart from casual moments with your superiors.

Don't startle your bigwig.

Yeah, it's delightful to get to know your senior executive team. But I have seen proletariats tagging senior executives around the party venue and trying to hog their time, trying to impress them. They forget that the senior folks are also there to unwind and need their space and time. You have to be sensitive to this by not becoming overzealous and adopting an over-friendly approach, which could make people back away from you.

Keep it Simple! Get an opportunity to say hello. Keep the conversation generic. Talk about the weather, Rahul's batting, Growmore Trees…. Don't be opinionated. Don't talk religion or politics as you don't want to hurt sentiments. Be polite and casual, and you will be noticed.

Groom Appropriately 

Well, dressing like a business professional or mannequin in a Park Avenue store is not necessary.

Informal clothes for the reception are cool.

Nice party clothes are perfectly acceptable and seemingly exacted for the office party. You want to go sparkling, colourful, and spangle? Why not? Just go ahead but maintain dignity as a typical day at work.

Of course, make sure not to wear anything too revealing or improper to the occasion. Hey, this is not your private college reunion party. :)

Whatever be the party theme/occasion, you must wear shoes; be it casual, semi-formal or dancing.

Do not overindulge 

You are concerned that liquor is being a served at an event and if you should participate?

If you are a teetotaller, hang out and enjoy the fun. You could probably add on a few more friends.

If you choose to imbibe, limit your consumption. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and alters your acumen. Your actions, under such circumstances, could cause you to become the topic of workplace gossip or worse get you unemployed. Keep in mind that perception is everything.

And if you want to dance, go ahead. But again, don't do the Bhangra in the centre of the floor for the Titanic song, when couples are dancing romantically. Far from impressing people, you could become the laughing stock of the party. Don't keep going to the DJ and demanding songs you like.

Just relax and unwind on the dance floor, and you will be noticed.

Socialise outside your crowd and do not babble 

Don't just hang out with your usual group of co-workers. This might seem like naive, aloof behaviour to others. Mingle! Interact!

Do your best to talk, if only briefly, to lots of different people at the event. Don't find one character and relax there. That's not only ignorant; it's a career-buster.

People tend to discuss non-attendees when they may run out of matters to talk. It is in poor taste to gossip. You should quietly move away from such a scenario and get to another group which is talking something as trivial as a good Pav Bhaji shop in the city.

"She's afraid that if she leaves, she'll become the life of the party."   

? Groucho Marx

Do not bring along an uninvited 

Never take someone along who is not a part of the party group. For one, they may be out of place and be a fly-on-the-wall. On the other, they may display improper behaviour - even if he or she is your meaningful other. Your plus-one's lousy conduct will reflect poorly on you. If you think it is essential to take someone, please ensure that your guest follows the same rules which you would adhere to.

Don't forget to thank your host personally

Show appreciation for the hospitality before you exit. Seek out the host and thank him/her personally and genuinely. Yes, not many do this, and it will make you stand out as one of the comparatively rare employees who hasn't ignored how to say thank you.

Round-Up

While there can be no hard or fast rules/decorum that can be suggested for an office party or get-together, do remember that you will be meeting the same people in a professional atmosphere at the office the next morning. :) :)

"Never be the first to arrive at a party or the last to go home and never, never be both." ― David Brown