Office happy hour: Don’t regret it in the morning

Everyone can admit that they need a little time to unwind at the end of a long day at work, but the urge to let loose with your coworkers as soon as the clock strikes 5 p.m. should be approached with caution. As excited as some may be to have a few drinks and comb over the latest gossip of the office, happy hours should also be viewed as an opportunity to bond, network, and grow as a team.
 
While it’s a relaxing way to socialize outside the stress of the office, if you over-indulge in the festivities you’re likely to become the topic-du jour-at the water cooler in the a.m. Though work may be over, there’s always a need for professionalism when socializing with you coworkers and with the boss. Conversations during a happy hour with a boss or a colleague could lead to future job opportunities that wouldn’t have occurred if you hadn’t expressed the interest in the topic or project.

So to make an impression and have fun, follow these tips for a great work happy hour: 

Have a plan and stick to it

Make sure you have an idea of how you want the night to go.  Decide in advance how long you want to stay and leave on time (you can finish your conversation first, of course). If lunch is at noon, make sure you have something to snack on in the afternoon as drinking on an empty stomach makes the booze go right to your head.

Don’t let anyone set the pace but you

Is the boss doing tequila shots? Good for her – don’t follow suit. People hold their alcohol differently, so what’s fine for one person might be disastrous for another. While it might only make her laugh more easily, you could end up betraying a co-worker’s confidence or dancing on a table. It’s best not to take any chances. If it seems like it’s going to be a long night, try sprinkling some non-alcoholic beverages into the mix.

Pay for your own drinks

Especially if you’re managing folks, a friendly gesture to one employee can be construed as a slap in the face by another. Unless you’re buying a round for everyone, pay for your drinks only. You can make exceptions for special occasions such as a colleague’s promotion or a birthday.

Find a diversion

Though some would argue drinking is a great diversion, it shouldn’t be the main focus of the evening. If you’re lacking for conversation, see if you can get a game of darts or pool going. It’s a great way to interact even if you’re not feeling particularly clever or social. 

Treat it like a business outing

If you wouldn’t say it or do it at a business lunch, don’t say it or do it here. A good rule is to follow office policy whenever you’re with your co-workers. For example, if you can’t or wouldn’t wear spaghetti straps in the office, keep your jacket on at the bar.

And of course, you don’t want to end up saying something you could regret. Never speak negatively about a co-worker, no matter what. If you’re the keeper of office secrets, be sure keep confidential information in the vault. If you drink in moderation, you’ll be able to stick to your rules. Remember, it’s all fun and games until somebody loses a job!

Check out more tips for a successful office happy hour at careerbuilder.com.

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