Workplace

The economic downturn has prompted many employers to scale down holiday parties or cancel them altogether, said Jennifer Peltz in the Associated Press. Even when money isn’t a factor, employers may be cutting back for appearance’s sake. “No firm wants to be pilloried for plowing cash—in some cases, taxpayer dollars—into ice sculptures and raw bars while workers fear for their jobs and shareholders for their investments.” That’s why the Scrooge-like measures should meet with understanding from most workers. “You don’t want to be eating your steak and thinking that it could have been in your wallet instead,” says Eric Bolesh, 29, who works at a North Carolina business-consulting firm.

Even if your office’s holiday party has been downsized to a more modest affair, don’t blow it off, said Peter Post in The Boston Globe. These remain good times to network, to bond, and to make a good impression on the higher-ups. “There’s nothing worse than being late and looking like you either don’t care or are disorganized.” Eat and drink in moderation. And, as much as possible, “avoid talking about work.” You won’t often get a better chance to get to know a co-worker. “You may find out the person you haven’t connected well with at work shares your interest in movies, cycling, or heavy-metal music.”

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