Business
2 December, 2025
Christmas is the season to be jolly, and work functions are fast approaching.
Whether you love or loathe festive work functions, one thing is certain: how you behave at the end-of-year party can leave a lasting impression.
Whether you love or loathe festive work functions, one thing is certain: how you behave at the end-of-year party can leave a lasting impression. With alcohol flowing, music pumping and colleagues letting loose, it’s easy to forget that you’re still technically “at work.”
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the event while staying professional and steering clear of post-party regrets.
The Wire has put a guide together for its readers to celebrate in style and exit with their reputation intact.
1. Request an annual leave day, as soon as possible, for the day afterwards, to avoid the endless office “unpack” of the event.
2. Dress to impress, festive accessories are fine. For women, low cut tops and very short skirts are not. For men, a business shirt and pants - no shorts.
3. Eat before you arrive, and don’t drink alcohol while you are getting ready.
4. If you have a car, drive to the event. Enjoy a welcome drink and pace yourself to stay under the legal limit to drive home.
5. Arrive half an hour late, no one will notice, and leave before it gets messy.
6. Try to attend with a trusted colleague and look out for each other during the function.
7. A Christmas party isn’t the time to confess your office crush—or act on it. What seems like innocent fun could cross boundaries fast. Workplace harassment policies don’t go on holiday.
8. Prepare a gentle but firm boundary response to “off” remarks… Christmas doesn’t give anyone a free pass to make you feel uncomfortable.
9. Gossiping about colleagues is totally unacceptable, and remember listening IS participating, move on to another group.
10. Unless it’s a sit down lunch or dinner, avoid food platters, people always look clumsy balancing a drink while eating and using a paper napkin.
11. Have fun, but consider the event is your workplace and behave accordingly.
12 Thank your boss and the organiser for a wonderful event before you leave with your dignity and reputation intact.
The end-of-year party is meant to be fun. Celebrate your wins, appreciate your colleagues, and enjoy the break from spreadsheets and meetings. If you approach it with gratitude and professionalism, it can be one of the year’s highlights.
Let your hair down without letting your guard down completely.
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