Office Drinking Etiquette
Before you bring alcohol to the in-office party, make sure you won’t tank your career in the process.
Richie Frieman
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Office Drinking Etiquette
Whether you drink on a regular basis or just on special occasions, the manner in which you drink takes on an entirely different connotation when you involve colleagues. There is nothing wrong with kicking some back with your coworkers at a happy hour, but what happens when alcohol is brought INTO the office?
I’ve spoken about “unhappy hours” in the past and how to properly handle yourself while drinking around colleagues. However, when alcohol makes its way into cubicles and conference rooms, things can take a rather uncomfortable turn. So before you tip a few back with Bill in Accounting, check out my top three quick and dirty tips for in-office drinking etiquette.
Tip #1: For Special Occasions Only
As cool as it was to watch Don and Roger drink like marathon runners dousing themselves with Dixie cups of water during a race, Mad Men was just a show—not reality. I mean, maybe it was the way of office life a few decades ago but today we have a bit “healthier” attitude in the office about drinking. And because we saw how it was back in the day, drinking in the office isn’t exactly proper corporate protocol anymore. However, there are some occasions when bringing alcohol into the office shouldn’t be such a big deal, and actually a way to increase the celebration … just as long as it’s done properly.
Last month, Modern Manners Guy Twitter follower Mike received an email at 9 AM about a promotion he was awarded. He was thrilled and feeling like a million bucks, as he should, so he went to the liquor store down the street, picked up a bottle of Champagne and brought it back to the office to toast his new position with his buddies. However, Mike’s office does not allow alcohol on the premises. After apologizing for not understanding the rules, and admitting his excitment got the best of him, the CEO allowed it this one time.
Here we have a perfect example of a situation where bringing some bubbly into the office is totally fine because of a special occassion that warranted more celebration, and alcohol was used as essentially a “prop.” Yet with that, Mike did not (and should not) get totally wasted in his excitement. It’s not a music video with drinks flowing and everyone dancing—it’s a proper toast with colleagues to say, “Congratulations.” So if you do bring alcohol into the office, I recommend it’s only for those very particular occasions and in small doses. Stick to just one glass and skip seconds. You don’t want have to ask someone to assist you back to your desk because you “celebrated” too hard.
Tip #2: Know Your Industry
For my book, REPLY ALL… And Other Ways To Tank Your Career, I interviewed many top level entrepreneurs and CEOs about their climb to the top of the corporate ladder. Two people I spoke with, Rob Samuels of Maker’s Mark and Ken Austin of Tequila Avion, make their livings in the spirits industry. So naturally alcohol is a major part of their daily business in and out of the office. I mean, if you don’t like drinking or can’t appreciate the craftsmanship of their work, then you better find another gig. Even though I have never been in their offices, I would imagine that their rule on drinking is a bit more relaxed than, say, the National Parent Teacher Association. I’m NOT saying that Maker’s Mark and Avion welcome drinking like the ship is going down, but if you look at the Mike situation in Tip #1, I would imagine that there wouldn’t be much fuss about toasting to a promotion with alcohol. And this is because certain industries allow for more alcohol in the office than others—simply because of their culture.
If you work in an industry that isn’t widely known for welcoming alcohol in casual every day use, it’s NOT proper to push it. The world will go on if you don’t bring alcohol to the office for a party, and you shouldn’t take the lead on your own. Properly understanding your office and their acceptance of alcohol is key before alcohol is brought into the workplace. This goes for both boss and employees. Granted the boss tends to get a free pass on many things, but if no one has ever drank in the office before, it would still be weird if Mr./Mrs. Boss brought alcohol in out of nowhere. So, before you pack your briefcase or messenger bag with alcohol, always ask around. Ask if this has been done before with the boss or coworkers. Additionally, ask if people would mind. The last thing you want to do is offend someone who doesn’t drink or is completely turned off by it. It’s never proper to make drinking in the office a “regular thing” but if you feel a time calls for it, always pitch the idea ahead of time.
Tip #3: Don’t Be A Show Off
Modern Manners Guy Facebook friend Angela was invited to an in-office holiday party last year, During the planning, she and her coworkers split up the food list and Angela offered to bring alcohol. As someone who fancies herself a “spirits connoisseur,” she wanted to show her knowledge of worldly drinks by bringing something more “exotic” to the party, something that others may never have tried. So, while everyone unloaded bags of chips, dip, cake, cookies and other treats, from the grocery store, Angela showed up with a rare bottle of vodka from Kazakhstan. Although the vodka is a very nice addition to a fine spirit user’s palette, it was hardly what her coworkers were expecting. I believe some wine or more “holiday-themed” drinks like eggnog or spiked cider, were what they had envisioned.
Here, Angela was only trying to bring a little “fun” to the party, but it fell flat. She thought people would appreciate her expertise and love for fine spirits but really she kind of brought the party down instead. Yes, you can show your knowledge but, at an office event where you are tasked as the only one bringing drinks, I recommend choosing a more proper approach that appeals to the masses. When you’re the sole person providing the drinks, it’s mannerly to make sure your choice is something the majority (if not everyone) will enjoy, despite your personal hankering for something rare. Alcohol is a tricky subject, so it’s always good to survey the land before you go forward. And if you still want to bring something different (like Angela did) as an extra-added bonus, go right ahead, but keep your coworkers happy with something more universally used.
As always, if you have another manners question, I look forward to hearing from you at manners@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. Follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips for a more polite life.
Do you have any recent graduates in your circle, or perhaps someone who is looking to start a new career, check out my new book, Reply All…And Other Ways to Tank Your Career, for great tips and advice on job success. It’s available now!