Do you fancy a drink after work?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the bulging pubs on recent summer evenings are anything to go by, the after-work pub culture is alive and well.  Seen as a place to unwind, get to know your colleagues and more recently, as an opportunity for networking, how do you respond to the seemingly innocuous question, do you fancy a drink after work?

Hearing the busts of group laughter and watching the work-weary professionals talk animatedly about the day’s events almost confirms that participation is an essential part of work today. Almost.

The idea of men and woman alike enjoying a post-work mortem with colleagues in the local is not shared by all. And should it be? More importantly, do you feel that lack of participation might hinder your career? 
 

It’s not a conundrum, just personal choice.

 

Does your lack of participation raise questions as to your commitment to your team and getting to know your colleagues?Some feel that drinking with colleagues crosses a professional to personal boundary that not everyone is comfortable with. Others find it the perfect platform for team bonding, getting to know your colleagues and making an impact with the boss.Either way, it’s important for the team to respect the decision of their colleagues and team mates.

 

It’s not all beer and  Humous

Post-work bevvies require a delicate balancing act.Not understanding your limits can lead to displaying inappropriate behaviour that could follow you for years or even leading to disciplinary action. You don’t want to play the lead part in the story – of how not to behave with colleagues – that gets wheeled out at every Christmas party.On the other hand, the informal atmosphere of the ‘local’ can facilitate the start of some great working relationships and previously unfettered access to top brass. All this aside, there are still some questions of etiquette.. Should you offer to buy the opening round? How many are you expected to stay for? And, what constitutes crossing the line from professional to personal? All good questions and ones that you will figure out as you go, if you keep it professional and play it safe. Lack of involvement or consistently saying ‘no’ can lead to the perception (rightly or wrongly) that you are not a team player.  Involvement is your choice, but there are benefits of spending quality time with your colleagues:

•          Form friendships with your co-workers and supervisors by getting to know them in a more casual atmosphere
•          Engage in conversations and discussions about matters related to work that may advance your career (i.e., you enjoy insider information without violating any rules and regulations)
•          Widen your personal and professional network to boost your career opportunities
•          Demonstrate your willingness to be a team player while still asserting your own brand of individuality
•          Keep your ear to the ground, so to speak, since many of the useful office gossip can spill over into after-work drinks (i.e., who's leaving and staying, what's going on, and what's coming up)
•          Relieve your office stress yet still be in the company of colleagues your admire and respect who understand daily office frustrations
Do’s and don’ts
The benefits are there, but that doesn’t mean that anything goes. In the end you’re all brought together by a common factor – work, so take our do’s and don’ts into consideration for success at the next happy hour.
•          See if for what it is. Do see the activity as a networking opportunity with drinks as the lubrication to get the wheels going (but not falling off)
•          Know your limits - don't engage in drinking competitions since these can quickly lead to over-drinking .
•          Be yourself. Do enjoy yourself but always keep it at a more professional than personal level of interaction. Keep in mind that your words and actions in these social situations will be talked about in work situations so be mindful of what you say and how you act. Otherwise, you may well be the topic of office gossip, which can adversely impact on your reputation among both your peers and the leadership team..
•          Don't flirt with others since rumours can easily damage your career.

A good rule of thumb is to enjoy the first drink, buy the second and know your limits.Cheers!