DON’TS FOR OFFICE DO...

The festive season is in full swing and chances are you have a work Christmas party. Make sure you have a good time, while avoiding jeopardising your job with these party survival tips from Fish4jobs.

DRINK The Christmas do is a chance to eat, drink and be merry. But it’s easy to overdo it on the booze. This is still a professional environment and good behaviour is expected – so pace yourself.

MINGLE While it’s tempting to spend the night with your team, this is a rare chance to get to know people in other departments.

SHOP TALK Avoid endless biz talk. Sure, you’re all there because you have work in common, but colleagues will be far more eager to talk about their interests than your firm’s social media campaign.

DRESS Depending on the location and type of event – casual drinks, a classy sit-down dinner or a party in the office – you need an appropriate outfit. Look the part.

DON’T BAIL Talking to people you don’t know; worrying you’ve had one too many sherries; work parties can be stressful. Attendance shows management you appreciate their efforts and gives you the opportunity to turn work mates into real mates.

SAY THANKS The party has probably taken weeks to organise so thank the organisers and your boss who paid for it.

DON’T FLIRT A few drinks and you might end up saying – or doing – something that embarrasses you and your office crush. The professional etiquette never includes a snog on the dancefloor.

DON’T BE LATE A hangover isn’t an excuse to miss the next day’s work. Eat breakfast, drink water, turn up and power through.