How do you survive company outings?
Company outings can be a nightmare for overthinkers. Networking, socialising, small talk, how do you handle it? In this article, I will advise you on how to survive company outings and hopefully, even to enjoy them.
Why should you go to company outings?
There are multiple reasons why it’s important to join, even if you feel like it’s the last thing you want to do at the end of your workday or even on the weekend:
- You get to know your colleagues better – and they get to know you better. Why is that important? You might spend more time with your colleagues during the work week than with your partner, your family or your friends. Your colleagues don’t need to know everything about you, but it does make collaboration, sharing ideas and asking and receiving feedback easier if you know each other a bit better. During company outings, people tend to let loose a bit, and it may be easier to approach them than during work hours.
- It shows you want to invest your time. Company outings are often organised by employees, and it shows an appreciation for their hard work. It’s also not uncommon that your teamleader or manager shows up at the company outing. It might not feel very impressive, but it does leave a positive reminder to them that you showed up.
- You’re more visible – and that might lead to new opportunities. Biased or not, sometimes work is just like high school. People want to work with the people they know and like best. No matter how hard you work, if you always work from home, have lunch alone and don’t show up to company outings, you’ll often be passed over for someone who is more part of the group. Showing up at a work party says nothing about your work skills or capabilities, but it can leave a positive impression, and people will (sub)consciously be reminded of your presence.
But how do you deal with company outings as an overthinker? Below are 5 tips to help you get through them.
Tip 1: Pick and choose – but don’t be too picky
If you work at a company where there are many outings, parties, activities and such, you can afford to be a bit picky. By strategically asking around (or checking the Outlook invite), you can find out how many people are attending. There are a few criteria that you can think of while picking and choosing which outings you will join:
- How many people are coming? How many people from your own team or department will be there?
- When is it planned? During the work week, a Friday night or a weekend day?
- Is the event tied to a (national) Holiday or other important date?
- How much time is planned for the activity? Is there a specific activity, or is it more loosely organised?
If you can’t decide whether to join a certain outing or not, or you can’t pick which ones you’ll attend, my advice is:
- Go where the rest go. If your entire department plans a party, you’ll be sorely missed if you skip it.
- Manage your energy. If you’re exhausted from work, you’re no good regardless. Try to decide for yourself if you’ll have enough energy to join a company outing after a long day working at a client’s office, or at the end of the week on a Friday night.
- Work events that are tied to a Holiday or anniversary are often important. Skipping the annual Christmas party could be a no-go in your office. In that case, try to muster up the courage to show up.
Tip 2: Arrive at the right time
If you’ve ever shown up too early, you know the awkwardness of arriving in an empty room, seeing everyone busy with preparations and no one to talk to. Usually, there’s not much for you to help with and being the only guest, you’re just standing in the corner, anxiously waiting for other people to arrive.
On the contrary, arriving too late can also have its cons. Small groups have already formed, it’s too busy to walk through the room without bumping into people, everyone already has a drink, and you have no idea who to start talking to.
How to find the happy medium? Of course, it’s different for every party or event. In general, it’s easier if you arrive together with other people. If the work event is at another venue, you can ask others to carpool. If it’s at your own office, you can join a group when it’s time for the event.
Tip 3: Don’t keep count
As an introvert, I’ve often read advice to set goals for yourself, such as talking to three people you haven’t talked to yet. In my opinion, this will only give you more anxiety and can even have a negative impact. One good conversation is much more valuable than three awkward, short ones where people gracefully try to escape. Try to feel out the vibe of the event and try to enjoy yourself, even if you stand in the back of a large circle, or if you feel a bit left out. Your time will come; trust yourself.
Tip 4: If you can’t talk, help out
This one is more fit for when you’re at the office itself or at a house party, but it can still be valuable. Usually, there’s a party committee or organisers who take care of the preparations. If you haven’t signed up for that, there’s usually not much for you to do beforehand. During the party, however, there are often a lot of things left to be done.
If you feel awkward and don’t know anyone to talk to, you can always offer to help put dirty glasses in the dishwasher, clean up dirty plates or pour drinks for people. Help is often appreciated, and it gives you a chance to talk to the other helpers.
Tip 5: Stay positive
No matter what happens at the work party, even if you haven’t talked to a single person, it’s always important to stay positive. You showed up, you put your time and effort in, and next time will be better. Don’t give up hope!
