For some people, an office holiday party is an obligation to be fulfilled. For others, it’s an invitation to go a little crazy. And if you think the latter is in the minority, think again. As one of Woodland’s top employment agencies, we know that embarrassing office party blunders are relatively common. In fact, according to a survey about office holiday parties by research marketing firm Harris Interactive:

• 49% observed flirtations with co-workers and supervisors.
• 47% heard a co-worker using excessive profanity.
• 44% saw co-workers sharing inappropriate personal details about themselves or other colleagues.

So if you’re someone who’s committed one of the egregious errors above – or something worse, what can you do to make amends?

Say you’re sorry. 

You might have thoughts of quitting or of how you can avoid seeing that co-worker you vomited on after doing shots at the party. But, as one of Woodland’s top employment agencies, we know that the easiest and most effective way to handle the situation is to apologize. Everyone makes mistakes and if you own up to yours, your boss and co-workers will be much more forgiving.

However, if you ignore it, or hope no one remembers, it will always be at the back of your mind and the back of theirs, particularly when you’re working on a project together or when you’re asking for a promotion.

So don’t beat around the bush, but don’t grovel either. Just say, “I’m sorry” and move on. And at future parties, avoid the alcohol altogether. Alcohol impairs the senses – including common sense – leading to embarrassing blunders you wished never happened. When you don’t drink at all, you don’t have to worry about losing control and doing or saying something you live to regret.