'Behave, it's still work': Montrealers share tips for the office holiday party
Montrealers share cautionary tales - office holiday parties gone wrong - with Daybreak's Shari Okeke
Elise Martinez, a Montreal engineer, is eager to attend her office party, which this year will involve cocktails, bowling and playing pool with colleagues.
Elise says party-goers need to avoid excess alcohol and remember it's a work-related event.
"One couple [at a past office party] ended up kind of having an affair on the night of the party and their marriages respectively broke up," she said. "So behave, it's still work."
Bond with your employees
Chris Coughlin used to own a cafe and says Christmas parties with his employees were "real throw downs" at that time.
"What you should always do before going out on a wild night of drinking is clean your bathroom first before leaving the house, that's my advice for everyone," Coughlin said, adding that drinking is the only way to "really truly bond with your employees."
He urges employers to first verify that staff members are of drinking age and then later make sure everyone gets home safely.
Don't overdo it with the diva
Suzanne Webonga works in the insurance industry and says it's important to remember your actions can leave a lasting impression at an office holiday party. She suggests party-goers avoid excessive drinking and carefully consider the outfits they choose to wear.
"If you're more like a J. Lo person on the weekend, that's fine," says Webonga of the pop star.
"But don't overdo it with the alcohol [at the office party] then come dressed like J. Lo and behave like J. Lo with your colleagues and in front of your bosses," she said, adding that it could affect future job prospects.
It's your moment to shine
Bernardo Juncal, who works in banking, says all the "cool people" at work will be at the office party. He says the party is a moment to shine while also relaxing with colleagues.
"Dress up well...a lot of people will be looking at you. Be fabulous, enjoy and take care of yourself," he said.