What about intimacies at the New Year's drinks?
What about intimacies at the New Year's drinks? The Netherlands is getting ready for the holidays. Many organisations ring in Christmas and the New Year with a drink. Of course, mulled wine or a glass of bubbles should not be missing to toast a good end to the year. Many employees eagerly look forward to their work's famous - or infamous? - Christmas drinks. "Remember Pietje who had one too many drinks last year and became a little too exuberant on the dance floor?" or 'I saw Hans and Els get into a taxi together last year'. When alcohol is involved, we see boundaries blur and colleagues become more intimate. At the happy new year wishes three kisses are often also given. And let that be that colleague who is already a little too friendly with women. By the way, have you noticed that it's always women who get kissed? It's not like men give each other three kisses...
How do you survive the Christmas and New Year's drinks? unwanted intimacies that could be associated with this?
Three tips for intimacies at the New Year's drinks for everyone to keep it fun:
Tip 1: Employers must ensure a safe working environment, including at work drinks.
Supervisors and managers would do well to point out desirable and undesirable behaviour to employees. It would be even better if during the plenary talk at the drinks, we discussed how we interact with each other and what we should especially not do. Above all, let us uphold the Christmas spirit of being kind to each other! The speech moment is also an excellent opportunity to draw your team's attention to desired behaviour and manners in a positive way in the new year. This is good for the atmosphere at the drinks party, but also for the work culture in the long term.
Tip 2: Enjoy, but drink in moderation.
Boundaries blur when alcohol is involved, it's as simple as that. Be aware of your behaviour, so don't drink too much. Especially if you don't want to wake up the next day regretting your behaviour! If you see that another colleague has had one too many drinks, speak to that person about their behaviour. If you see someone going overboard, it is fine to speak to them and suggest calling a taxi for them. The person will probably still be grateful to you the next day.
Tip 3: Ask if you can give a hug or three kisses.
Having contact with each other is human. Above all, we should not be too businesslike and distant when we have fun times together. There is only unwanted intimacy if the recipient experiences it that way. Would you like to give the other a hug or three kisses on the cheek? Ask if it's allowed! And do you, as a recipient, want to avoid that hug or kiss? Then walk up to someone with an outstretched hand and shout from the front, I will shake your hand; Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! This way the message is clear and you have averted that slightly too friendly colleague.
Trustlr wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2024. And above all, a very nice work culture!
Regards,
The Trustlr team
