VANCOUVER — It's that time of year again. The office Christmas party, open house or winter celebration. No matter what you call it, it is an annual event workers either welcome or dread.

Extroverts love them — it's a chance to get together with colleagues and chat without deadline pressures. Introverts may pale at the thought of mingling, engaging in small talk and being in a crowd.

Either way, the office party is as much a part of the holidays as decorations and turkey. And unlike other social events, if you don't comport yourself properly, you could suffer embarrassment all the way to career injury. So how do you survive it with your career and reputation intact?

There are six ways to ensure that you make the best impression possible at your company's holiday function:

DON'T GET DRUNK

Many employees have a few too many and live to regret it. The temptation to say something one shouldn't is high when inhibitions are reduced by booze. And, the next day you'll regret your remarks and possibly be unable to remember them. Credibility suffers if behaviour is compromised by over indulging.

It can be tempting to use drink at holiday events as a balm to counter social anxiety. If this is the case, consider thinking through some conversation topics before attending the party. Come prepared to meet new people. Pretend you are hosting the party. If you were the host, you wouldn't sit quietly; you would be talking to people and thinking about their needs. Focusing on the other person can be a great antidote to nerves that accompany these social situations.

MINGLE

Avoid hanging out with your usual lunchtime buddies at the party. It doesn't mean you can't greet them, but don't stay with them the entire time. Get out of your comfort zone and set a goal of meeting at least three new people. This can help you create an informal network that will help you get the job done more efficiently. People will recognize your name and answer your emails or voicemails more promptly. Also, don't forget you can land that promotion if you meet someone who might be on the panel from another department. You never know. That's why it pays to mingle.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

The open shirt is a no-no, as is the clingy micro-mini or the plunging neck line. Dress in business-casual attire, unless otherwise specified, and remember this is a business or work event. Watch your non-verbal behaviour and adjust your small talk.

Workers may be unaware that they are signalling their dislike of the office party by crossing their arms, refusing to smile and standing with their back to the wall in the corner. Smile, shake hands, and make conversation. Steer clear of topics like religion, what staffer might be pregnant next year, your job search on company time, and offensive jokes or excessive flirtation.

GO TO THE FUNCTION

Many people don't realize that their absence from the party is duly noted. Co-workers will resent your lack of interest, the boss will wonder if you are committed to the job and the organizing committee will wonder why they bother. Show up, be friendly and accept your company's hospitality. A general rule is to attend the party for at least an hour and a half. This signals to the boss that you care and it tells the organizing committee that it was worth the work to hold the event.

LOOK OUT FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Employers can ensure everyone has a good time by focusing on employee well-being, health and safety, as part of the pre-party planning. Ensure rides home for drinking employees, ask managers to keep an eye out for dangerous behaviour and avert it. This can include steering conversations away from offensive topics or intercepting employees who over-serve themselves at the bar. Make sure you know about any food allergies and cultural or religious prohibitions, so that a variety of food and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Invite everyone to the party — those who work remotely, workers on maternity leave or paternity leave, and those on disability. Ensure that the party is scheduled for a time when lots of people can come. Evening parties can be hard on parents of young children, for example.

CELLPHONES AND SOCIAL MEDIA

While you are at the party, leave your cellphone in your purse or pocket. Texting, talking or emailing at the party is plain rude and will detract from your ability to join in (unless it's an emergency). Also, refrain from taking pictures or posting anything about the party on social media sites. Avoid tweeting about the party. Tweets could come back to haunt you.

Employers and workers alike can wish each other a happy and safe holiday, while enjoying and celebrating their efforts over the last year. Making merry at the staff Christmas party doesn't have to be a career buster. It can actually improve your reputation and increase your informal network.

So enjoy: it's not every day that an employer buys you lunch — or dinner.

Dr. Jennifer Newman is a registered psychologist and Director of Newman Psychological and Consulting Services, a workplace psychology firm specializing in leadership training and coaching, personnel development, psychologically healthy workplace issues and seminars. She can be reached at info@drjennifernewman.com. Information in cases cited has been changed to protect confidentiality.

Vancouver Sun