oggbashan
Dying Truth seeker
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2002
- Posts
- 56,017
Christmas parties - What do the Swedes do?
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Friday December 5, 10:20 AM
How to survive the office Christmas party, Swedish-style
Click to enlarge photo
STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Don't dress provocatively, don't hit on your colleagues, and don't get tanked: 'tis the season for the office Christmas party in Sweden and companies are issuing guidelines for how to behave, clearly fearing things will get out of control.
In a country where binge drinking is practically a national pastime -- and where Scandinavian firewater aquavit is a key part of the "julbord", the lavish Christmas smorgasbord to which companies treat their staff -- employers are keen to make sure that employees can show up for work the next day.
Preferably with their pride intact.
"It's about finding a balance between being yourself and at the same time not being the one who will immediately stand out in the workplace," says Anders Allebeck, the head of human resources at Swedish bank SEB.
With the "julbord" season starting in early December, the economists' union newsletter recently published a list of do's and don'ts that appears more suited to a band of raunchy bikers than responsible number-crunchers.
"Save the plunging neckline, short skirt, bare midriff and unbuttoned shirt for more private gatherings. Remember, these are your colleagues and this is not an intimate occasion to show yourself off in all your splendour," it said.
Keeping your pre-party drinks to a minimum is also recommended, as the only thing more important than your attire is that you show up sober.
"You don't have to refrain entirely from drinking at a staff party, but you should never be visibly drunk," the newsletter quoted ethics expert Magdalena Ribbing as saying.
Another big no-no is flirting, with companies strongly advising that you not hit on the cute receptionist you've had your eye on, just because your spouse, who will not have been invited, is not around.
After all, you certainly don't want things to go the way they have in neighbouring Denmark.
There, divorce rates skyrocket in December as wives are known to hire private detectives to spy on their husbands at their Christmas parties.
"Flirting is something that sometimes occurs in the workplace. But you do begin to wonder if someone goes a little too public at an office party," says Ernst and Young human resources chief Leif Hedstroem.
If a colleague does however make a pass, Allebeck recommends that you "elegantly try to put an end to it with a good sense of humour".
And while most agree it's okay to casually discuss work issues, never hog the boss's ear. And whatever you do, don't ask for a raise.
A final word of advice is offered for the bosses themselves: enjoy yourself, but don't stick around 'till the end.
"Otherwise it can be difficult for the staff to relax and have fun," Ribbing says.
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I didn't realise that Swedish offices were such hot beds.
Og
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Friday December 5, 10:20 AM
How to survive the office Christmas party, Swedish-style
Click to enlarge photo
STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Don't dress provocatively, don't hit on your colleagues, and don't get tanked: 'tis the season for the office Christmas party in Sweden and companies are issuing guidelines for how to behave, clearly fearing things will get out of control.
In a country where binge drinking is practically a national pastime -- and where Scandinavian firewater aquavit is a key part of the "julbord", the lavish Christmas smorgasbord to which companies treat their staff -- employers are keen to make sure that employees can show up for work the next day.
Preferably with their pride intact.
"It's about finding a balance between being yourself and at the same time not being the one who will immediately stand out in the workplace," says Anders Allebeck, the head of human resources at Swedish bank SEB.
With the "julbord" season starting in early December, the economists' union newsletter recently published a list of do's and don'ts that appears more suited to a band of raunchy bikers than responsible number-crunchers.
"Save the plunging neckline, short skirt, bare midriff and unbuttoned shirt for more private gatherings. Remember, these are your colleagues and this is not an intimate occasion to show yourself off in all your splendour," it said.
Keeping your pre-party drinks to a minimum is also recommended, as the only thing more important than your attire is that you show up sober.
"You don't have to refrain entirely from drinking at a staff party, but you should never be visibly drunk," the newsletter quoted ethics expert Magdalena Ribbing as saying.
Another big no-no is flirting, with companies strongly advising that you not hit on the cute receptionist you've had your eye on, just because your spouse, who will not have been invited, is not around.
After all, you certainly don't want things to go the way they have in neighbouring Denmark.
There, divorce rates skyrocket in December as wives are known to hire private detectives to spy on their husbands at their Christmas parties.
"Flirting is something that sometimes occurs in the workplace. But you do begin to wonder if someone goes a little too public at an office party," says Ernst and Young human resources chief Leif Hedstroem.
If a colleague does however make a pass, Allebeck recommends that you "elegantly try to put an end to it with a good sense of humour".
And while most agree it's okay to casually discuss work issues, never hog the boss's ear. And whatever you do, don't ask for a raise.
A final word of advice is offered for the bosses themselves: enjoy yourself, but don't stick around 'till the end.
"Otherwise it can be difficult for the staff to relax and have fun," Ribbing says.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't realise that Swedish offices were such hot beds.
Og
