Resume.io Β surveyed North Carolina managers about some of the worst holiday party mistakes ever witnessed. From showing off your worst dance moves to bringing that uninvited plus one, this survey counts down some of the worst mistakes to end a work year and stop the party. Of the list below, three were among the most common among managers in North Carolina: drinking too much, oversharing personal gossip, flirting with co-workers.
The top 15 worst party pitfalls among Americans are:
#1 Drinking Too Much Booze
Overindulging in alcohol is a classic party misstep, say managers. Slurred speeches, embarrassing confessions, or even a stumble into the Christmas tree can leave lasting impressions – and not the good kind.
#2 Inappropriate Dancing
Managers cited inappropriate dancing as the second biggest party pitfall. The dance floor is no place to unleash moves better suited to a nightclub. βKeep it light and funβno one wants to become the star of the office partyβs viral video,β she continues.
#3 Flirting with Co-Workers
What might feel like harmless banter after a few drinks could easily cross professional boundaries. Awkward Monday morning meetings or whispers around the office arenβt worth the fleeting thrill.
#4 Bringing an Uninvited Plus-One
Arriving with a surprise guest can create logistical headaches for organizers and awkwardness for the group. Always respect the inviteβs parameters.
#5 Oversharing Personal Gossip
Revealing too much about your private lifeβor someone elseβsβcan quickly backfire. βRemember, the office party is not a confessional booth, and trust is hard to rebuild,β says Amanda Augustine, career expert at resume.io.
#6 Not Showing Up
Skipping the party altogether can come off as aloof or disengaged. Managers often notice who makes the effort, and an absence could send the wrong message about your team spirit.
#7 Unfiltered Opinions
A few glasses of wine can loosen tongues, but airing grievances about the company, coworkers, or even the boss is a fast track to career trouble. βStick to neutral or positive topics,β advises Augustine.
#8 Disrupting the Speech
Heckling the boss during their toast or making loud side comments can turn you into the office Grinch. Augustine suggests remaining βrespectful and attentive during every company speech or presentationβno matter where they are held.β
#9 Gift-Giving Fails
Whether itβs a thoughtless Secret Santa gift or something wildly inappropriate, gift blunders are hard to forget. Aim for something simple and workplace-appropriate.
#10 Social Media Missteps
The 10th biggest festive fumble is posting unflattering photos or videos from the eventβit can damage reputationsβnot just yours but also your colleagues. βAlways think before you tag,β warns Augustine.
#11 Bringing Leftovers Home
Yes, the food is free, but loading up Tupperware for the week ahead sends a message thatβs more βdesperateβ than βresourceful.β Enjoy the buffet, but leave some for everyone else.
#12 Aggressive Networking
While itβs great to connect, monopolizing a senior managerβs time with career ambitions can come off as pushy. Save those conversations for a formal meeting, not the dance floor.
#13 Wardrobe Malfunctions
A too-tight outfit, overly casual attire, or a malfunctioning zipper can quickly overshadow your professionalism. βAim for festive but appropriate attire that wonβt cause distractions,β says Augustine.
#14 Cliquey Behavior
Try mingling with different colleagues throughout the night rather than staying with your usual work group. It’s a great chance to get to know people from other teams and helps everyone feel included in the celebration.
#15 Winning Ugly
Finally, and in 15th place, whether itβs a raffle, trivia contest, or party game, or gloating about a victory can dampen the festive mood. Celebrate gracefully or lose with humor.
