No one wants to be that coworker. You know, the one everyone talks about after a work party.
Work gatherings can be a great way to connect with your colleagues and celebrate your professional accomplishments together. However, inappropriate behaviors can harm your professional reputation.
That’s why Business Insider asked two etiquette experts to share the mistakes guests should avoid making at work events. Here’s what they said.
Showing up dressed inappropriately
Pamela Eyring, owner of The Protocol School of Washington, which teaches business etiquette, told Business Insider that when it comes to work events, a big faux pas is dressing too informally for the business environment.
“Before you go to the work party, think about what you’re going to wear,” she said. For example, you don’t want to dress like you’re going to a nightclub.
When in doubt, avoid styles you’d be uncomfortable wearing to work during the day. You can also try checking the event’s invitation for a dress code.
In addition to dressing professionally, though, Eyring also emphasized the importance of communicating the dress code to any guests you bring.
Making assumptions about what people celebrate
At seasonal events and parties, it’s especially important to steer clear of holiday-specific wishes unless you know exactly what your colleagues celebrate.
When in doubt, Sheree Bryant Sekou, a business-etiquette expert and leadership consultant, said it’s best to stick to broad, culturally sensitive greetings like “happy holidays.”
Skipping leadership greetings
“A lot of people avoid senior leaders, like the president, CEO, or even their boss’s boss” at work events and parties, Eyring said.
But instead of being fearful of saying hello, she told BI that guests should use this opportunity to make their presence known to senior leaders.
If you’re unsure of what to say, try referencing something they’ve shared recently — or simply thank them for hosting the party.
Sitting out on the fun and ignoring planned activities
“If there’s a DJ or band, prepare to get up and dance, even if you don’t like to or don’t think you are good at it,” Eyring told BI. “If there are activities, participate.”
After all, this is your opportunity to connect with coworkers and show them a lighter side of you that they may not always get to experience in the workplace.
Hiding behind your phone instead of socializing
Eyring told BI that one of the biggest mistakes you can make at a work party is hiding behind your phone.
“There are a lot of people who feel anxious when attending these events, and they don’t really know many people,” Eyring told BI. “Instead of mixing and mingling because they’re introverted or feeling anxious, they sit behind their phone and scroll.”
However, by doing this, you’re missing out on a valuable chance to network and get to know other people at the company.
Of course, there are valid reasons to have a phone out during the party. But if you’re showing colleagues photos on your phone, for example, do it quickly and then put it away, Eyring said.
Taking photos of people without their permission
Eyring said another appropriate use case for phones at a work party includes taking photos with coworkers — but only if permission is obtained first.
“People don’t always like having their photo taken when they aren’t posed or haven’t been asked to be a part of a photo,” she told BI.
Likewise, it’s a good idea to ask for permission before posting or sharing the photo with others. “Some people also don’t want to be seen on someone else’s social media page drinking, or holding a glass, either,” Eyring said.
Discussing sensitive conversation topics
At work events, it’s best to steer clear of any topic that could be seen as delicate or controversial.
“Proceed with caution when mentioning anything that falls into a category where people might have distinct or strong feelings about that topic. That includes politics, romantic relationships, money, and religion,” Sekou told BI.
Instead, she said, it’s safer to have low-stakes conversations about family, vacations, and hobbies.
Packing up leftovers to bring home without permission
When extra food is left behind, it can be tempting to pack it up to take home. However, this can come across as rude at a party.
“When you attend a work event, the goal is to connect and build relationships. Packing up food and other leftovers could be perceived as uncouth,” Sekou said.
She also suggests being mindful when it comes to how much you take to eat in general. If you’re not served a pre-portioned plate, avoid taking more food than you plan to eat in the moment.
Overstaying your welcome
Company events can be a great excuse to get to know your coworkers on a deeper level. However, it’s important that you don’t let an engaging conversation cause you to overstay your welcome.
According to Sekou, it’s essential to pick up on social cues and leave at the appropriate time.
“Pay attention to cues around exiting. Sometimes the music may go down, or the lights may come up. You might start to see people putting away dishes,” Sekou said. “That’s your sign to start winding it down.”
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