Survey: Office Holiday Party Behaviour Affects Career Advancement

TORONTO , Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Santa isn't the only one making a list of naughty and nice this holiday season. A new survey by The Creative Group suggests managers also pay attention to how employees behave at their company holiday events. Nine out of 10 executives (92 per cent) polled recently said workers' office party antics can affect their career prospects.

The study was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service providing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on 250 telephone interviews -- 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from advertising agencies and 125 with senior marketing executives randomly selected from companies.

Advertising and marketing executives were asked, "To what extent do you think an employee's behaviour at an office holiday party can affect -- either positively or negatively -- his or her career advancement prospects?" Their responses:

    
                         Greatly................44%
                         Somewhat...............48%
                         Not at all..............8%
                                               ----
                                               100%
    

"While holiday parties offer a festive gathering of colleagues, it's important to remember that there may be senior-level influencers present," said Lara Dodo, vice president for The Creative Group. "That's why it's wise to display sound judgment throughout the celebration, even if the event is informal." Dodo noted that office holiday parties are an excellent time to network within your company. "In many organizations there may not be a regular occasion to socialize inter-departmentally or with executives," she said. "These events present employees the opportunity to forge positive connections that could enhance their performance and increase their value to the firm."

The Creative Group offers the following five tips to help professionals make a positive impression at company parties:

    
    1.  Give the gift of good manners. Your social graces are on display at
        these events, so R.S.V.P. promptly, arrive on time and thank the host
        for having you. If it's a formal dinner and you're not clear on table
        setting etiquette, be sure to familiarize yourself before the event.

    2.  Bring good tidings to all. Go out of your way to chat with coworkers
        from other departments. Also, be friendly to guests who aren't
        employed by your firm. They will appreciate being included in the
        conversation.

    3.  Get away from the grinches. Don't spend too much time with the bah-
        humbug types at your holiday soirée. You want to avoid guilt by
        association. Plus, it's more fun to spend time with those who are
        enjoying themselves.

    4.  Be jolly, but not overly so. Most people know that too many cocktails
        at a work function are a recipe for disaster. Yet, that doesn't stop
        some from overindulging. Limit your alcohol intake, and don't
        pressure others who choose to abstain.

    5.  Wrap up on a high note. Don't be the first or last to leave the
        party. When departing, be sure to thank your host and those who
        worked on the event. Sending an e-mail or handwritten thank-you note
        to your host is another way to show your appreciation.
    

About The Creative Group

The Creative Group specializes in placing a range of highly skilled creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals with a variety of firms on a project and full-time basis. The Creative Group's internal account managers typically have prior experience working within the creative industry, which helps them better understand their clients' needs and their freelancers' unique talents. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., the firm has offices in major markets across the United States and in Canada . More information, including online job-hunting services, candidate portfolios and The Creative Group's award-winning career magazine, can be found at www.creativegroup.com.

For further information: THE CREATIVE GROUP, Suite 820, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5J 2T3, Kristie Perrotte, [phone], [email protected]