For many of us, our annual holiday office party is merely an opportunity to obtain a little tipsy around the company dime and pray that people don't embarrass ourselves in front in our coworkers. However, if you are framing your workplace party being an event to become endured, you're thinking of it all wrong. According to a recent survey, they might just be dating gold (with no, I am not referring to participating in another awkward makeout session with Eddie the mail room guy. #truestory)
UK online printer, instantprint, conducted research which says 64 percent of workers in offices feel more confident at the Holiday party talking to colleagues that they wouldn't normally encounter, resulting in romance for almost half (47 percent), with more than a fifth sharing a kiss (22 percent). (Maybe Eddie the mail room guy was onto something…)
If you believe it is just entry level employees that allow their hair down at company shindigs, think again. Senior management are most likely to stay out until 2 a.m. or later (20 percent), propping in the bar with their colleagues in sales and marketing (19 percent).
In fact, if lifetime of the party types are the cup of tea, you don't need to look any more compared to sales and marketing team. Based on the survey, sales and marketing let their head of hair down most in the party and are thought to be the wildest (30 percent). However, if you're looking to actually end the party with a smooch, you might want to sidle as much as that cute and nerdy guy who works in IT. Individuals the IT dept would be the most likely to kiss someone (31 percent).
So, so what can we remove from these results? Well, first of all, they claim that office parties are actually an excellent place to create potential romantic connections, so long as everything doesn't go sideways. Individuals are more enjoyable than normal and more available to connecting in ways they wouldn't when they're in work-mode.
Here are a few tips for finding your date at the next holiday staff party and beyond.
1. It is all about moderation.
A bit of alcohol goes quite a distance when it comes to loosening your nerves. However, it's easy to go overboard. Based on HR professionals surveyed, over half report being nervous about entering work the following day as half said something they regret (52 percent), kissed someone (22 percent), told their boss that they thought of them (16 percent) as well as admitted to applying for other jobs (15 %)! Sixty-nine percent admit to being really hungover at the office the next day along with a fifth even being sick, all despite 61 percent going home before 11 p.m.! Yikes.
If you drink, don't be afraid to imbibe. However, know your limits and go slowly. You have to dating outside the office. Meeting for a beer or perhaps a glass of vino is an ideal first date idea, however make sure you set yourself a limit of 1-2 drinks, which means that your judgement doesn't become clouded by a lot of Bourbon Sours (see above re: Eddie the mail room guy).
2. Be open. But not too open.
Instead of entering the party or date searching for a potential relationship or hook-up, make use of the a little more slow paced life to really learn about your single coworkers. Ask them questions. Listen attentively. Show interest and be curious. Crack several jokes. (They are all things that you ought to keep in mind when you are meeting someone new – inside and out of work!)
Just be sure you avoid TMI topics and/or being inappropriate. Don't go in for a hug or kiss having a coworker simply because you know they're single. Ask first. If the current news cycle has taught us anything, it's that consent is required. Be friendly, flirt, but keep it above board.
3. Expand your usual reach.
If you never speak with anybody who works inside it, now's your chance. Only keep company with individuals the marketing department? Find someone who's standing alone and start a conversation. Exactly the same strategy pertains to taking advantage of online dating. Try approaching someone who looks interesting but that you never might have thought to message before.
Both internet dating and office parties are a chance to take a few chances, make new friends and expand your horizons. Have fun and become safe!