Boss, shall we dance?

Unless you are careful, office parties can turn you from 'hardworking and reliable' to 'flirtatious when drunk'. Here's how you can avoid the pitfalls.

Put on your dancing shoes and be there" is what the notice board says. Your otherwise hyperactive boss wants you to take it easy. And easy you take. You guzzle drums of beer, flirt with Ms Cute and curvy, bitch about the a** -licking colleague and show everyone how to master the Bidi jalaile moves. The next day the hangover is gone, but the grapevine is abuzz with your 'other' side. Plus, your boss isn't taking it easy at all. Follow these dos and don'ts to enjoy your office party, minus the regrets.

The environment maybe informal, but it's merely an extension of your office. Giving it a miss because being sober is not your idea of fun is a strict no-no. "The purpose of a party is to bring workers together and promote camaraderie. If you aren't interested, the least you can do is to show up for a few hours," says Pratibha Gosavi, director of Quorum HR.

Don't settle scores: So your rival colleague couldn't make it, but don't take that as an opportunity to make nasty remarks. "Firstly, it's not nice. Secondly, that person's friends might be present and the remarks would reach his/her ears," adds Gosavi. The word will surely get around, but more importantly, people will trust you less.

The food and booze is free, but it doesn’t mean you call in freeloaders. Unless the invite specifies, don't bring along dates. At most, it would be all right to bring a spouse or potential spouse to introduce to your colleagues. Bringing in friends defeats the purpose — socialising with your colleagues.

Drink if you want, but…

Have a drink or two, but know your limits. An informal setting doesn’t stop bosses and colleagues from judging you. Bar brawls and lip-locks is not a good agenda with people you will see on a daily basis. 

"We often reveal things about ourselves that we ideally don't want our co-workers to know. So be on your toes," advises Gosavi. And remember, there will be photographs later.

This is your chance to small talk, even do a jig with the big boss without raising eyebrows. Get to know other people, especially from other departments who you don't get to speak to otherwise. They will know you better and inter-department work will become smoother.

Dress to party, not reveal: "No sloppy dress please," Gosavi warns. Yes, it's a party and you can add that extra bling, but anything suggestive or revealing will only attract unhealthy attention and be the fuel for next day's gossip machinery.