HealthyLife Articles

Tag: etiquette

  • Smart Tips For Business Drinking

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Image of co-workers cheering with glasses of wine.

    Sloshing down three martinis at a business lunch went out with wide ties and bell-bottom pants. As one investment banker quipped, “No one’s going to trust you to handle their money, services, or products if you get smashed over lunch.”

    Keep in mind that business is business. Others’ impressions of you can make or break a deal-or a career. Alcohol is served at many business functions, yet more and more people are choosing not to drink.

    If you choose to drink, here’s what you can do to manage your alcohol intake and its effects.

    *  Don’t feel you have to “keep up” with associates who drink.

    *  Drinking isn’t the main purpose of the get-together. Keep your underlying mission in mind and stay clear headed.

    *  If you’re nervous about the meeting, it might be better to avoid alcohol altogether, since you may drink too fast or too much and end up fuzzier than usual because of your anxiety.

    If you attend a business dinner:

    *  Have only one pre-dinner drink, if any.

    *  If champagne is served, sip it very slowly.

    *  Drink water with the meal.

    *  Avoid finishing each drink.

    Page from A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Poor Behavior At Office Parties May Hurt Your Career

    WORK LIFE

    Image of a group of co-workers drinking after hours.

    Too many drinks combined with poor behavior at an office holiday party could signal the demise of employment for some employees, warned Lynne Richardson, dean of the Ball State University Miller College of Business. She said employees should be on their best behavior and treat the annual holiday office party as an extension of work. Supervisors can and will hold employees accountable for inappropriate actions at such events. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, dress appropriately, abstain from discussing sensitive work-related issues and bring a date only if told it is proper.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Tips For Work Gift-Giving

    WORK LIFE

    Image of 2 wrapped gifts.

    If you’re considering buying presents for people at your workplace, it’s important to know how to do it right:

    *Be discreet.If you are buying gifts for just a friend or two, consider giving them outside of work so others don’t feel excluded.

    *Keep it professional.Work-related items, such as a nice pen or a coffee mug (if the person drinks coffee), are appropriate options. Personal items, such as perfume or clothing, should generally be avoided.

    *Be careful about supervisors.Many companies frown upon giving gifts to the boss. Although your intentions may be good, co-workers may see it as a way to buy into your boss’s good graces. And, it could make your boss uncomfortable.

    *Don’t go overboard.Spending more than you can afford isn’t necessary and may make the recipient feel uncomfortable.

    *Consider different religions and beliefs.Remember that not everyone celebrates the same holidays.

    Hands-free etiquette

    Whether you’re in a work meeting or at the office holiday party, you may want to put down your smart phone. Checking your email and posting to social media during work activities may give others the impression you are bored or would rather be somewhere else. If you must have it on for emergency calls, silence the dinging emails and text messages to minimize distractions.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine