December is here! Some places have already seen snow, shoppers are recovering from Black Friday madness, and all of you are looking forward to the many celebrations that take place at work and at home. Okay, maybe not ALL of you, but most professionals will have some sort of work-related holiday celebrating to deal with, and it’s important that you know just how to do so in a professional manner (or at least in a way that doesn’t get you fired). Lucky for you we have some tips to help you get through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season without too much stress!
Gift Giving
Many of us stress over whether or not to get our coworkers gifts for the holidays. If your pockets are light, suggest drawing names and having a gift exchange instead of buying for everyone. Set limits and be sure that you stick to that dollar amount. It is uncomfortable for both parties when one person purchases a $50 gift and another person purchases a $10 one. If you don’t want to exchange gifts, adopt a family or schedule a time where your group can volunteer for a local food bank or other charitable organization.
The holiday season is also a time to say “thank you for your business” and many suppliers/vendors bring gifts to their customers during December. Before you receive a gift from a supplier, be sure you are not violating your company’s policy on giving/receiving gifts. If you are unable to accept a gift, graciously decline, citing your company’s gifting policy.
Holiday Bonuses
If your company gives holiday bonuses instead of having a celebration, you are a lucky person! However, don’t always rely on past practices. If you received $500 last year, don’t bank on the fact that you will receive the same amount this year. Corporate bonus programs fluctuate with the economy, and sometimes companies will eliminate bonus programs without telling their employees. If this happens to you, do not go on a social media bender slamming your boss, nor should you send your Uncle Eddie to your boss’s house to teach him a lesson – instead, look at the positives…at least you still have a job!
Holiday Parties
Probably the most important of all the holiday “etiquette” tips-don’t act inappropriately at your office gatherings. Whether it’s the company holiday party or a casual night out at the local watering hole with your coworkers, you still need to show some restraint. Control your drinking (and your guest’s) and if you have to stick to soda or water to keep from making a fool out of yourself, then just do it. You do not want to be the subject of your coworkers’ evening tweets, nor the main topic at the water cooler on Monday morning. And…with the way people are snapping pictures of everything you do or say, just the thought of having your drunken antics being blasted across social media profiles should be enough to make you behave yourself.
A holiday gathering is also not a place to talk business. Even the most driven professionals need a break now and then. Talking about department issues or concerns is another no-no. You are supposed to be having fun-not being a gossip or Debbie Downer.
Finally, if you are one of those vivacious, holiday-celebrating, individuals who decks out their office with twinkling lights and plays festive music all day long, just remember…not everyone in your office celebrates the holiday season. Different religions celebrate their own events and traditions-keep yours a little on the light side so that you are not offending or disrespecting your co-workers.
Remember…what happens during the holiday season in the workplace usually is bullhorned throughout the organization. If you can avoid violating company policies, or being the poster child for what not to do at the company party, then you will not only keep your job, but you may also find that are actually able to enjoy the holiday season with your coworkers.
