End of year high jinks 

Party season is almost upon us, but before you order another round of shots for the table, perhaps read this first? 

I’ll never forget “that” end-of-year party in London. I was managing a team of around 24 people, mostly young and in their 20s. 

We arrived at the venue and it was immediately clear that some of them had interpreted the open bar as a challenge. They began sinking drinks from the minute we arrived, picking up pace as the crowd started to swell. 

As the managing editor for the news organisation walked in (she was the boss for the entire continent) two of my staff, by then highly intoxicated, were busting a move on the dancefloor. Holding hands, one lost control and slid across the floor, ending their journey at the editor’s feet, legs akimbo and knickers on display. 

While it’s always nice to relax and have some non-work related catchup time with your colleagues, there are lots of good reasons to be careful how much you imbibe at the end of year frivolities. 

The primary reason is that it can reduce your inhibitions. The consequences of that? You might end up saying something or behaving in a way you thought at the time was appropriate, but in hindsight was perhaps a bad judgement call. You might betray a confidence. Or make other people uncomfortable by being a little too friendly. Or finally tell that really snarky person you’ve been enduring what you really think of them. 

I’ve seen all of these scenarios play out and in some cases, after complaints to human resources, I’ve seen good people and good workers lose their jobs. 

Legally, work Christmas parties are actually seen as an extension of the “workplace”. Employers have obligations around work health and safety, while employees are expected to meet the behavioural standards they would be required to meet at work. 

So if you are going to drink, make sure you do it in moderation and be sure to eat too. Because while free drinks may seem like a great idea at the time, it’s a costly lesson to learn if you over-egg the pudding.

Here are some tips to take on board: 

• Feel free not to drink, it’s not compulsory.
• If you do drink, don’t feel you need to keep up with anyone. Set your own pace. 
• Make sure you eat.
• Keep note of how many drinks you’ve had.
• Try not to mix drinks, it makes it more difficult to keep track of how many standard drinks you’ve drunk.
• Consider always having a soft drink or glass of water between your alcoholic beverages.