Workplace Rules Of Engagement For The 2004 Holiday Season

(Wednesday, December 01, 2004) - With the holiday season upon us and the usual invitation for parties, cocktails and dinner, American workers need to remind themselves of a few rules of engagement before the celebrations begin.

"Psychologically, you're winding down before the holidays and preparing to relax with friends and family. Work however, may actually be winding up," says Peter Handal, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie Training. "Companies are closing the books for 2004, preparing bonuses and planning for a strong 2005. It may also be time for the company's annual holiday party, which for many is the chance to make a professional statement about themselves."

"There are more opportunities for a professional faux pas during the holidays than any other time of the year, and workers should be on their best behavior."

Things to consider...

It's bonus time. "Few people ever feel they receive the bonus they deserve," says Handal. "It's sad but true. Many people feel underpaid." Handal's basic advice: If you receive a bonus, show your sincere gratitude - not in an email, but in person or with a personalized, hand-written note. "We conduct so much office interaction through email that we forget the importance of genuine, human contact and the impact of a thoughtful, personal 'thank you' note." Handal observes: "I've worked in corporate America for four decades and it is still always a pleasure to receive a personal thank you from a co-worker."

The company party. To go or not to go, that is the question. "For some, there are always office politics based on who does and does not go to the office holiday party -- if there is one." Some companies, like TIME Inc., no longer host company parties of any kind, eliminating the decision of whether or not to go. For those employees who are invited to the company's holiday shindig, the decision to go or not to shouldn't be made lightly. "It's always amazing to me that successful workers who spend the entire year collaborating well with their fellow employees can - by not attending the holiday party -- be labeled 'anti-social' or 'not a team player.' I've seen it time and time again." Many companies, who aren't really proactive about building corporate culture and getting to know their employees, think that the holiday party is really the ideal time. It isn't. The time to build relationships at work is the 11 months prior.

Holiday party decorum. "It's banal, predictable advice to say 'don't drink' or 'watch what you drink,' " says Handal. "However, every year, thousands of office workers embarrass themselves and drink too much during the company party -- prompting inappropriate or foolish behavior that co-workers remember, and may hold against you, for a very long time." Handal's advice if you're short on self-control: designate a party chaperon. This could be your spouse, significant other or a co-worker you know won't let you down. Tell them to cut you off before things turn ugly."

Your significant other at the company party.Who you bring to the company party -- whether it's your spouse, a date or friend - is another opportunity to add to your image in the workplace. "The old saying 'one is judged by the company they keep' applies here," says Handal. Many co-workers will judge you based on who you bring, they way they dress and their behavior. "Your guest's behavior is just as important as yours. Observe discretion and conservative small talk, but not at the expense of making new friends and building relationships," says Handal.

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