OH! Magazine - Australian Version December 2013 (Australian Version) | Page 13

KAREN
GATELY

SURVIVING THE FESTIVE SEASON

www.karengately.com

( OH REALLY? )

Specialist HR consultant Karen Gately explains how to have fun at the
Christmas party without damaging your career.
n January, many of the HR
departments we work with are
busy dealing with issues stemming from
the staff Christmas party. While some
may be relatively minor, other issues
that arise can have serious consequences
for both the individual and their
employer. Beyond risks to health and
safety, the way some people choose to
behave can have very real ramifications
on their ability to advance their careers
within the organisation.
Don’t complain about the type of
party your employer chooses to
throw. It’s impossible to keep everyone
happy and if they have gone to the trouble
of organising an event, then chances are
they think it’s a good idea. While a
valuable opportunity to say thank you to
their team, keep in mind your employer is
not obligated to provide a party, so be
respectful of the gesture and recognise it
for what it truly is – a gift.
Dress appropriately. The outfit you
choose reflects not only your
fashion sense but, more importantly, your
judgment. Assess what is culturally
appropriate for your organisation, assess
the dress code and choose an outfit
accordingly. For example, you may not
enjoy ‘dressing up’ but if it’s a formal
event don’t dress casually.

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If Kris Kringle is part of your festive
celebrations be careful not to
offend anyone with your choice of gift.
Although having a laugh is good for team
spirit, avoid anything that may be
considered inappropriate by either the
recipient of your gift or other people.
Sexually explicit or suggestive items are
not a good idea, and neither are gifts that
may be considered offensive by ethnic
groups or members of a particular gender.
Keep in mind that some people
can be easily put off by poor table
manners. This could include overloading
your plate with too much food, or eating
with your hands when cutlery has been
provided. While everyone’s expectations
are different, keep in mind even
something as simple as talking with your
mouth full can lead to the loss of respect
by those who may influence your career
progression.
Avoid excessive drinking. Feel free
to have a few drinks with your
colleagues but make sure you remain in
control of your behaviour. Some people
are affected by alcohol more easily than
others, but when inebriated most of us
are likely to behave in ways we may later
regret. Some of the ways I have seen
alcohol impair judgment and impact
careers at the Christmas party include:

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• Starting arguments
• Telling the boss what you really think
• Over sharing; some aspects of your
personal life
• Being sexually overt (and this could
include making unwelcome advances,
public declarations of lust or dirty
dancing).
If you’re in a leadership role or work in
HR it is especially important that you
behave appropriately. Protect the trust
you need people to have in both your
competence and character. Leading by
example is a non-negotiable priority for
anyone responsible for managing
behaviour and the culture of the
organisation.
By all means relax and have fun,
but conduct yourself professionally at
all times.
Karen Gately
Karen is a highly regarded thought
leader in the fields of human
performance and leadership. A founder
of Ryan Gately, a specialist HR
consultancy practice, Karen is also the
author of The People Manager’s
Toolkit: A Practical guide to getting the
best from people. For more information
visit www.karengately.com.au

( OH! MAGAZINE ) ISSUE 5

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