Climbing the Ladder

How to Treat After-Work “Happy Hour” Appropriately

Happy hour can be a fun way to relax with your co-workers and get to know each other on a more personal level outside the office. That is, until someone (or worse, you) loses all decorum and does something embarrassing. To avoid moments like this, it's important to follow a few rules when going out with people from work.

1. Set a drink limit for yourself.

If you're drinking alcohol, make sure you know your limit and know when you start to lose all inhibition. Cut yourself off before that point. And don't try to keep up with anyone. Happy-hour drinking is not a competition.

2. Don't get too comfortable.

It's rare for a group of co-workers to get together and NOT talk about work. In fact it might be all you have in common. But be careful about what you say and to whom you say it. Complaining about your job or about certain co-workers, or spilling some private beans, can come back to haunt you.

3. Go to a bar with activities.

Maybe your happy hours are filled with awkward silences that you fill by drinking a lot. You don't have to sit around staring at each other for two hours. Find a bar with games – like pool or darts or pinball – to occupy your time and get people talking.

4. Represent your company.

Even though you’re off the clock and outside the office, you should still be cognizant of how you’re representing your company. You never know who will show up to judge your behavior – maybe your boss, someone who knows your boss, or a potential customer or client.

Ever had an embarrassing moment during an after-work happy hour? Share your story!