Some Basic Rules for Office Happy Hours

An office happy hour provides a valuable opportunity for colleagues to interact outside of work. Unfortunately, the presence of alcohol can create the perfect conditions for impropriety and embarrassment. By keeping your wits together, you can make the most of happy hour without damaging your professional reputation.

Exercise Restraint

The biggest risk of an office happy hour is alcohol overconsumption. The relaxed bar setting makes it easy to let your guard down and exceed your personal tolerance limits. The more drinks you have, the more difficult it is to stop, and before you know it, you're dancing on a table or flirting shamelessly with your boss. Even one drink too many can cause you to expose office secrets or break client confidentiality.

The easiest way to avoid humiliating yourself at an office happy hour is to stick to a single drink. If you don't drink or if you've reached your limit, you can still look the part by ordering club soda with a splash of cranberry juice. Drinking on an empty stomach can increase the effects of the alcohol; have a snack or small meal before you leave the office to help keep yourself in check.

Open Up Sparingly

Although an office happy hour is more relaxed than the office, it does not mean you should bore your colleagues with messy personal drama. Stay professional, but don't be afraid to take advantage of the opportunity to build closer relationships with your colleagues. Open up carefully, but keep it tasteful. Don't reveal anything that you'd be embarrassed to talk about in front of your boss. Stick to traditional business etiquette and avoid making fun of other colleagues or participating in embarrassing bar activities. After all, you never know if that unexpected beer bong will end up on Instagram or Facebook the next morning.

Dress Appropriately

The way you dress at an office happy hour plays an important part in how your co-workers perceive you. Women tend to have a harder time than men when it comes to selecting appropriate clothing. In general, your outfit should be less formal than office wear but not too relaxed. Avoid date outfits, low necklines or high hems. Men have the option to remove ties and jackets, though standard office attire is usually appropriate. As a general rule, research the bar atmosphere and dress accordingly. Although a happy hour is intended to be an informal setting, it is still important to follow business etiquette rules for professional dress.

An office happy hour can be an excellent place to make connections and form stronger bonds with co-workers. When you stay professional and keep yourself in check, you'll be able to go to work the next morning feeling confident and comfortable.

Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net