Work matters

How to rectify party disasters

I did whaaat? The most important thing when putting party disasters right is speed...

We’ve all been at parties where things have got out of hand. But what happens if the party is the office one – and it’s you who’s misbehaved?

Office Christmas parties are ripe for disaster: inappropriate outfits, gaudy displays of public affection, drunken bosses and flirty colleagues.

But have you ever been involved in an office-party scandal that made Monday morning truly unbearable?

According to a recent survey, 55 per cent of us end up doing something “really embarrassing” at the office Christmas party.

If you answered yes, the good news is you’re not alone: according to a recent survey by One4all gift cards, 55 per cent of us end up doing something “really embarrassing” at the office Christmas party.

It’s a situation that Penny de Valk, chief executive of the Institute of Leadership and Management, is all too familiar with.

“At the risk of sounding scrooge-like, you have to be careful that you don’t wake up the morning after the staff Christmas party seriously regretting your behaviour.

“By all means embrace the festive spirit and have fun. But also remember that it isn’t wise to do anything inappropriate that will impact on your professionalism in the long-term,” she advises.

Wise words – but ones that are, unfortunately, likely to fly out of the window as soon as you’re a few mulled wines to the wind.

So, what can you do if you do wake up to find you’re the one everyone’s talking about? Here are the top five most likely embarrassing situations – and how to deal with them with your remaining dignity intact.

“I kissed a colleague!”

Try to work out why you’re embarrassed. Is it because it was a beer-goggles kiss, or are you unsure of how the ‘snogee’ feels? A quiet chat will help clear the air. If you’re not keen, put the emphasis on how it’s best to keep work and private lives separate; if, on the other hand, you’re interested, tentatively find out how they feel – and be prepared for whatever the outcome.

“I got incredibly drunk and threw up!”

Rest assured, almost all of us have done this. Hold your head high and try to move on, remembering that your behaviour isn’t all that unusual. Oh, and avoid a repeat performance at the next office bash at all costs.

“I insulted my boss.”

Don’t wait around: address the situation – fast. Apologise to your boss, and reassure him or her that this kind of behaviour is out of character and will not happen again. If you have genuine grievances, use this as an opportunity to have a constructive chat.

“I did the kind of dancing best suited to Spearmint Rhino’s.”

OK, it’s embarrassing, but it’s not a disaster. Focus on maintaining a professional manner in the office and a more demure demeanour at subsequent dos, and in all likelihood your little routine will be forgotten in the long run.

“I was so drunk I can’t remember what I did – but I get the impression it was bad from the looks I’m getting in the office.”

Speak to a trusted work friend to find out exactly what happened, then deal with the situation accordingly. This might mean having a quiet word with a few colleagues, and perhaps an apology.

The important thing is to deal with the fallout as soon as possible, then move on. Colleagues won’t hold one minor infraction against you – after all, they’ve probably been in a similar situation themselves before – just try to make sure you don’t make a habit of misbehaving.

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