Getting in the Spirits
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Every office knows.
Take a look at the office clock.
Check the minutes are in stock.
It is that time again…
...the time for end of year work celebrations or, as we’re punnily coining it, ‘getting in the spirits’. Now, if you didn’t automatically sing the opening prelude to the tune of Michael Buble’s ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ then you’re possibly not quite yet in the Christmas spirit. But one thing that will surely get you there is … the end of year workplace celebrations!
For some, this post has possibly come a weekend too late; for others, this post may act as a ‘festive guide’ for how to manage yourself at your upcoming workplace function. The final few weeks of work can be a bit of a whirlwind at the best of the times. The giddy excitement from the Melbourne Cup, haunting memories of Halloween festivities, or that ‘one Friday drinks’ that got a bit too carried away may all begin to rear their nostalgic little heads once more. During this time your calendar is bound to be fuller than Aunt Berta after the Christmas ham. With this influx of events and celebrations comes the importance of prioritising and preparing for how important your end of year workplace function actually is.
For many, we view the hectic time of year as an excuse to avoid office celebrations. These can range from simple excuses “Sorry, double booked”, “Just that time of year isn’t it?” Clearly a ridiculous rhetorical question. Yes, I can read a calendar and it is that time of year but cheers for the clarification. Or excuses that lean more towards the creative approach, “Oh, the following Saturday? Yeah, well I had actually agreed to look after my step-sisters, cousin’s cat. Bummer. Next time”. Puurr-fect excuse. We think not. Given that some employers strive to make this event as accommodating as possible, we are seeing an increase in workplace events being held during work hours to mitigate any of the above teething issues.
The end of year celebration offers a prime opportunity for employers to show their appreciation and recognition towards staff. Likewise, employees may seize the opportunity to acknowledge their employers, in a less formal environment, for the work and commitment that goes into their role throughout the year too. It really can be a reciprocal time to come together and commemorate a year’s worth of achievements. In some less than celebratory business years, it also offers an opportune moment to rebuild comradery and let everyone know how valued they are as part of a company. One of the key reasons people leave a job is a sense of underappreciation (Rugina, 2011); therefore, this is a distinct time of year to boost those appreciation-metres and head into the New Year feeling jovial and significant.
With one’s attendance at an end of year function comes a list of crucial, unspoken rules. We’ve no doubt all been privy to an assortment of tragic stereotypes after the Christmas ‘spirits’ are flowing and the mistletoe is hung. It’s very, very, very important to ‘err on the side of caution’ in these situations and avoid becoming a living and breathing regret. The first trap that many fall into is the comfort of indulging in gossip. Social lubrication seems to equate to less people biting their tongues and before long you may find yourself tempted to join in, or initiate, unprofessional and personal chat about colleagues or clients. Keep in mind that it is a “work function” with the key-word being “work”. This diction in itself should guide your conduct and help you rationalise what it appropriate and what most certainly is not.
To avoid falling into the uncomfortable domain of gossip, it is also important to ensure you avoid heavy drinking. A bit of ‘dutch courage’ goes a long way, but too much can lead towards a lot of regret. Movies paint this picture rather comically with Larry from Accounts tripping over desks and hitting on Desiree from Admin. Keep this sort of entertainment in movie scenes rather than your own life.
Don’t underestimate the importance of firstly, attending but secondly, making sure you stay an adequate length of time. Even if you’re just turning up to ‘show face’ strive to mingle, get to know people, and actually allow yourself to have a good time. You might surprise yourself and actually enjoy being there if you go into it with an open mind. When figuring out how long to stay for, don’t make the age old mistake of turning up too late. This will look rude on your behalf and suggest that you don’t appreciate the effort that was gone to in organising the event.
Above all else, the end of year brings excitement, warmth (for the Southern hemisphere), kinships and a lack of stress. Take time to take a break, relax and enjoy the celebrations of a year's work. After all, in a very short time you’ll be right back at it. From the team at Kinetic, thank you for being part of Kinetic, have a marvellous Christmas break and all the best for the New Year.