Company Events

Company events can be fun, exciting, and relaxed. Sometimes employees are rewarded with a celebratory event at the workplace or an external venue. Customers are sometimes hosted by employees at sporting events or dinners. In some situations, alcohol is served. However, remember that these events remain a workplace interaction rather than a personal experience. You should approach these events with the same professionalism as your behavior in the workplace during office hours.

The guidelines below are suggestions, not rigid rules for each event you attend throughout your career. When in doubt, err on the side of greater formality or respect, especially when engaging with customers or people above you in the company hierarchy. For each company event, make sure you understand the purpose of the event and prepare appropriately.

• Leave your cell phone in your car or on silent. Do not check your phone during a conversation. As either host or guest, the cell phone clues everyone else in that you have your attention elsewhere. Excuse yourself and step away if you absolutely must check your phone.
• Do not chew gum.

External Attendees

Some events include individuals from outside the company. When your company is hosting the event, it is your responsibility to meet and greet others who have been invited. For significant events, companies often assign company members to host specific individuals from the other organization. Employees may need to research their specific guests to recognize them and engage in appropriate conversation. Guests need to be open to meeting many of the hosting company’s employees. Everyone should carry business cards to make an introduction and for use in follow-up conversations to be scheduled later.

Conversation

Conversation at business social events is not exclusively related to business. However, care must be taken not to become overly personal. The social environment helps establish a personal encounter, yet it remains a professional relationship. The employee of a hosting business interacting with a guest should work to share conversational responsibilities, with a slight focus on the guest speaking more than the employee. As with a guest you might host at your home when your company is the host, you are responsible for the guest’s comfort, which may include stowing coats, pointing out sights and amenities, or leading the conversation with interesting inquiries. As a guest, you should expect to be well-treated, but avoid taking advantage.

Without an assigned agenda, questions such as the following may kick off the conversation or fill in the lulls:

• How did you start your career in [their industry]?
• What do you enjoy most about your role?
• Are there any projects you’re currently excited about?

For specific events, such as a theater outing or a sporting event, you may wish to do a bit of homework ahead of time so that you may demonstrate an understanding of the event. “This is the director’s debut production in our city. They are scheduled to go on tour in a few months.”

If a social event is seated, then be sure to engage equally with those seated to your left, right, and possibly across the table. Lend your attention to the guests rather than your co-workers. You can visit with your co-workers at the office.

Introductions

As each person enters a conversation, introduce the new member to those in the group. Introductions are more than, “Anna, this is Renan. Renan, this is Anna.” Give each person a way to enter the conversation. “Anna, this is Renan. He’s head of West Coast sales. Renan, this is Anna, she just joined us after graduating from college in Missouri.” While the hosting organization should take the lead in introductions, that should not hold you back as host or guest.

Perhaps one of the most awkward situations is when you are the one entering an area where everyone already seems engaged with others. It may be tempting to spend time admiring the buffet, bar, or art. Remember, this is a social occasion, so the expectation is that you be social. Also, take advantage of the event as a networking opportunity.

Find a likely group, stick out your hand, and say, “Hi, I’m Felipe from ABC Co. May I get your name?” As long as you look friendly and spend the initial moments of the conversation listening attentively, you will be fine.

If your company is the hosting organization, be sure to look for guests who seem to be standing awkwardly alone and invite them into your conversation group. You are not obligated to this person for the entire event but offer the person a way to engage. Just as you may grow tired of one person, so might that person of you. Allow the gentle excuse of wanting to greet someone else or refill a drink to release you both from the conversation. If your departure strands the other, then introduce that person to a new group before moving away. These are social events with the intent of establishing more professional relationships.

Table Manners

There are extensive guides online about table manners. This list is a summary of the bigger items that help you make a suitable first impression.

• Put your napkin in your lap once seated. If you are at a hosted event, wait for the host or hostess to place his or her napkin. As you finish the meal, casually fold your napkin and place it on the table. Never place the napkin on a used plate or return it to the table while others are eating.
• Start with dining utensils from the outside of the place setting and work your way in. For example, the smaller salad fork is far to the left. The main dinner fork is to the right of the salad fork. The dessert fork is to the right of the dinner fork or nearest your plate.
• Order items that your company would be willing to pay for or items that seem similar to that of the hosting company. A business dinner is not an opportunity for you to indulge. Avoid items that are messy to eat.
• Take your first bite only after everyone is served. If this event is hosted, do not start eating until the host or hostess places his or her fork on his or her plate or takes a bite.
• Pass food to your right. If you are starting this dish, offer it to the left and then take your portion before passing.
• Ask others to pass items to you, rather than reaching in front of anyone.
• Bread is torn, not cut.
• Never speak with food in your mouth. Take small bites so the lull from question to answer is small.
• Focus less on eating and more on the guests. Second servings should be taken only when offered. Your main goal is to develop relationships; enjoy the food but remember where your focus should be.
• Do not feel required to eat food you do not care for. However, you should avoid announcing what you don’t like. Appreciate the effort on your behalf even if you do not appreciate the food item.
• If the event is a cocktail party with appetizers, you may find yourself standing while trying to balance a drink, a plate, and your napkin and utensils while also shaking hands with people you meet. Keep in mind your eating situation when choosing foods, for example, skip the slice of meat you have to cut no matter how delicious it looks. Believe it or not, there are online resources to help you figure out this balancing act.

Rising at the Table

Rising from your seat when someone new arrives at the table is a polite, acknowledging gesture. Alternatives like a smile, nod, or verbal greeting can inclusively convey the same respect, ensuring everyone feels acknowledged without the necessity of standing. 

The emphasis on standing may be more the norm at more formal events or among older generations. Let the context of the event and the actions of your dining companions guide you if you are unsure about what to do.

Alcohol and Marijuana

It is not unusual to find alcohol being served at social business events. With changes in some states’ laws, it is possible that marijuana may also make an appearance at these events. If you do not normally use either of these, do not feel obligated to use these at a business outing, and definitely do not choose a business event to try them for the first time. Gently decline and avoid offering excuses, reasons, or ridicule. You can simply say “No, thank you” or ask for an alternative, such as tea or a soft drink.

If you do want to accept an offer, then do so. However, remember the purpose of this social interaction is to build professional relationships, not to start a big party. Watch your intake carefully and be sure to limit your intake to less than the host and far, far less than the legal limit. You want to be able to maintain your professionalism since it is a work-related event.

As the hosting company, you have a certain amount of liability for any guest indulging at the event. Be alert to employees or guests who may have over-indulged. While it may be a difficult conversation, it is better to keep guests safe than let them leave under the influence. If the event is hosted by an outside provider, perhaps the manager of that concern has a way of dealing with inebriated patrons. Ask for assistance. Never offer to drive anyone else home unless you are completely sober. As a guest or host, it is far wiser to hire third-party transportation.