Dreading Christmas Party at Work

Dec. 21, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I am an administrative office worker at an insurance company.  I dread this time of year.  My boss want me as usual to plan the Xmas party but it always ends up as a fiasco.  

Last year two employees ended up being fired because they drank too much alcohol and said inappropriate remarks to the boss.  The year before that, an office worker broke his leg and was out of work for 3 months.

How can I keep from participating in these office events even though I work directly for the boss?  Dreading Xmas Party, Wisconsin

Dear Dreading Xmas Party:

We have all seen the Xmas office parties that gets out of hand during this time of year.  Since you work directly for the boss, he expects this to be part of your job description to plan these events.  However, you don’t have anything to do with how the employees act so you need to take this burden off yourself.

These individuals are grown-ups and if they drink alcohol and put their jobs on the line, then it’s their business.  Go ahead and keep planning these events but walk a thin line by letting your boss know how you feel.

Most companies will not cancel these events, especially since many employees look forward to these events every year along with their Christmas bonuses, so all you can do is put up with it and stay visible at these events.  

Workplace rumors are hard to overcome, especially when other employees don’t like you so again stay clear of trouble.