by Janice Heath

Created on: November 24, 2010

Work functions are occasions that some people view with anticipation and others with dread.  You may interact with your colleagues on a daily basis however social occasions are a different thing altogether and not everyone is comfortable with the change in focus.  While a work function is meant to be social it is wise to remember that you still need to behave in a professional manner. The next day or the next week you will be back at work with your colleagues and although you want to have a great time, this desire needs to be tempered with some caution.  In order to make it an occasion to remember rather than one you’d prefer to forget, keep the following in mind.

Dress Codes

It may be a formal occasion or a picnic in the park.  Whatever variety of occasion it is, dress appropriately.  How you dress and present yourself does influence people’s opinions of you, so if you wish to continue to be regarded as a professional, be conservative rather than outrageous - unless of course you work in an industry where outrageous is the expected norm.

Circulate

Everyone at the function has at least one thing in common, they work for or are customers or suppliers of the company.  This should make it very easy to start a conversation even with people you don’t know.  If you don’t circulate it may appear that you don’t like your colleagues or can’t be bothered mixing with them. This is actually a great opportunity for networking and getting to know your colleagues better.

You Don’t Have to Like Everyone

You still need to be polite to them though.  There will always be some colleagues whose company you enjoy and some who you would not choose to socialize with normally. Courtesy is in order whatever your personal feelings on the matter.

Alcohol

Far too many people have woken up the day after a work function with regrets about what they did or said after one drink too many. Drinking excessively can result in all sorts of effects from speaking inappropriately to dancing on the tables.  Even if the alcohol is free, drink lightly, or better yet, stick to non-alcoholic drinks.

The Boss is Still the Boss

Even though the boss may be in casual clothes and be exhibiting a more relaxed approach than usual, this is not an invitation to explain to them everything that is wrong with the company and what you would do if you were in charge.  Similarly, if members of their family are present be friendly and courteous but keep the conversation positive, after all the boss will probably hear all about what you said later on.

If you are attending your partner’s work function then all of the above are still applicable, in fact doubly so.  If you behave badly then it not only reflects poorly on you but your partner may also have to bear the consequences.

It is very possible to enjoy social occasions with your colleagues, as long as you are aware that it is not the time or place to be as relaxed in attitude and behaviour as you may be when you are when you are with your own friends.  In a way you are still at your workplace.  Even if it is a park or a restaurant, you need to maintain your professionalism as a member and representative of your organization as well as for the sake of your reputation and career. 

Finally, don't forget to thank your host/s as you would at any other social occasion.  Not only is this the right thing to do, but few people actually express their appreciation when the company has arranged a social occasion for the staff and this small courtesy can cause you stand out from the crowd in the nicest possible way.

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