Friday, December 16, 2011

Beating the stress of holiday office parties

An escape plan can keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Everyone understands if you have to get back to your kids or if you have simultaneous obligations. Tell the party coordinator up front if you can't stay. Later, if you feel like you be there for the duration simply tell the host that everything worked out. Giving yourself an out can reduce your Christmas party stress and put you in control.

Say goodbye and say thanks to boss and the office party coordinator before leaving. Following up with a written thank-you note is always nice. The gesture might even help you be remembered when it's time for pay raise evaluations.

Sincerely offer to help with set-up or clean-up on the day of the office party. The organizational team may appreciate the offer. It also breaks the ice and can help conversations get started. Helping can also be a great way to get to know co-workers in other departments that you may not meet otherwise.

Do you have any other stress reduction tips for Christmas parties? Leave a comment to let us know what they are.

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