The Office Christmas Party---To Go Or Not To Go

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Nov 2006 03:15 PM

Prior to becoming a work-at-home-mom I worked as a news reporter at various television stations around the nation. I enjoyed my job and the opportunities that it afforded me. What's more, I liked the people I worked with. As I mentioned in a previous blog, some of my best friends are ones I met on the job. So each year when the invitations to our office Christmas party were handed out, I didn't hesitate to accept. Why would I? I enjoyed the company of my co-workers and I got a free meal out of it-what's not to like?

According to a recent survey, I may be in the minority when it comes to being enthusiastic about attending a company sponsored holiday party. Research shows that in some offices fewer than 51% of employees showed up for the company's annual soiree. Why? Most respondents say they "didn't feel comfortable." While others said given the choice they would rather spend their time away from the office with family members than with co-workers. Others simply said they didn't relish the idea of being in a social situation with a supervisor or other superior.

If you would have responded similarly to the survey, you may want to consider this: research done by an outplacement consulting organization suggests that if you get an invitation to a company holiday party, you might be doing your career a favor by accepting it. Research shows people who know how to "work the party room" help boost their career potential by illustrating to their bosses that they are well-rounded individuals. The study also found that some employees use the party as an opportunity to network with supervisors from other departments, which helps if in the future said person was applying to transfer from their existing department.

Here's how I see it: it's a party... it'll take maybe three hours of your time (max) to participate. You get a free meal, free drinks (if its open bar), you get the chance to dress up, you have fun, and you go home. Done. The experience is unlikely to kill you, and who knows, you may actually enjoy yourself.

Do you enjoy going to company holiday parties?

Related Articles:

Company Holiday Parties---Putting On The Ritz

Office Party Etiquette---Seven Tips To Preserve Your Professional Image

Making Friends At Work---Helpful or Harmful?

Making Friends At Work---Helpful or Harmful? Part 2

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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