Holiday parties hold peril for unwary workers

Here are some tips on surviving the office holiday party with your career intact.

Bring a date
Paul A. Falzone, CEO of a dating service company that includes eLove and The Right One, says his firm gets lots of calls for people looking to find a match around this time of year, and many are motivated by their company’s holiday party.

“Going stag could be hazardous to you at your company,” he says, because “if you’re a good-looking individual and your boss’ girlfriend is checking you out there are going to be some problems.”

Also, he adds, companies like employees who are stable. and often that translates into being in a secure relationship. ‘If you have one then people don’t think you’re partying all the time and picking up girls. They want someone stable, a family person.”

Stay away from admirers
Often times, workers are aware of colleagues who have shown some interest in them during the year, but alas, the feeling isn’t mutual. In this case, “you’ll want to avoid being alone with that person,” says Ruth Houston, author of “Is He Cheating On You?” “If you see them bobbing and weaving in your direction stay clear of them or stay with a big group.”

You can’t give them any opportunity to make an advance, she explains, “because if you rebuff that person, especially if it’s a boss, it may be bad for your career, or it will at least become an embarrassing situation when you’re back in the office.”

Plan your own after-party
It’s hard to keep your excitement contained around the holiday season, especially when you get all dressed up and head for a work party at a museum or nightclub. (About 75 percent of companies hold their parties offsite, according to Battalia Winston.)

If you’re beside yourself with glee because you’re getting a night out away from the kids or the boob tube, and getting social interaction beyond the daily grind, keep it low-key during your company’s festivities and then plan to meet non-work friends afterwards to really celebrate.

Don’t make a love connection
No matter how much you dig a co-worker or underling at your firm, and no matter how much you think that person digs you, keep your inner cupid on the ground.

A supervisor at a professional services firm was attracted to a secretary in another department, and it seemed the feeling was mutual, recalls Scott Brink, a labor & employment law partner with Jeffer Mangels.

“They both had too much to drink and ended up in each other's arms,” he explains. Upon reflection, she felt he was too aggressive with her and she filed a sexual harassment claim.

“It’s a common holiday party story,” he adds.

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