Expat warning: British Christmas parties can be career ending
The first red flag for South African expats should be the “no partners allowed” policy at most UK Christmas parties.
When my girlfriend didn’t come home from her office Christmas party in Wimbledon, I did what any concerned partner would do. I went to the police to report her missing.
The officer’s response? “It’s not unusual for people to go temporarily missing after a UK Christmas party. You should sit tight.”
She turned up at midday the next day. By then, I’d realised our relationship probably wasn’t as secure as I’d thought. And I’d learned my first lesson about British office Christmas parties: they’re nothing like the corporate functions South Africans are used to back home.
No partners, no limits, no consequences?
The first red flag for South African expats should be the “no partners allowed” policy at most UK Christmas parties. Back home, bringing your spouse or partner to a company function is standard. In Britain, it’s deliberately excluded.
Free bar. Colleagues only. What could possibly go wrong?
A few years ago, a colleague in financial services ended up headbutting another colleague over a debate about who was the better salesperson. He lost his job immediately. I’m still not sure how he explained that one to his wife and kids.
He’s not alone.
Recent research reveals that one in 10 Brits face disciplinary action or dismissal due to their behaviour at Christmas parties.
The British office party tradition
UK Christmas parties have developed a reputation that would shock most South Africans. Every December, newspapers run stories about employees being sacked for fighting, inappropriate behaviour with colleagues, or catastrophic encounters with senior management after too many drinks.
Under UK employment law, Christmas parties are considered an “extension of the workplace” if organised by the company. Most normal workplace conduct policies still apply, even when you’re three glasses of prosecco deep.
Research shows 20% of companies are so concerned about HR issues arising from drinking and improper conduct that they’ve cancelled Christmas parties altogether.
The cultural gap
South African corporate functions tend to be family affairs. Braais with colleagues’ kids running around. Partners chatting over a glass of wine. A level of accountability that comes with having your spouse present.
British Christmas parties operate under different rules. The combination of free alcohol, pent-up office tensions, and the absence of partners creates what one employment lawyer called “an annual minefield for workers and employers alike”.
Survival advice for SA expats
If you’re heading to your first UK office Christmas party, here’s what 20 years in London has taught me: eat before you go, pace your drinks, avoid discussing politics or religion, and whatever you do, leave before the karaoke starts.
And maybe tell your partner not to worry if you’re home slightly later than expected. Though hopefully not midday the next day.
What’s your British Christmas party disaster story? Have you witnessed the carnage first-hand? Share your experiences in the comments below.