Happy hour is a great way to unwind and socialize with your coworkers outside of the office. It’s a time to relax and enjoy a drink with your colleagues, but it’s important to remember that happy hour is still a work-related event. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when attending happy hour with coworkers. 

Do: 

Be mindful of your alcohol intake. 

Happy hour is a time to unwind and enjoy a drink with your coworkers, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re drinking. You don’t want to be the one who gets drunk and makes a fool of themselves in front of your coworkers. It’s also important to remember that you’re still in a work-related setting, so you want to maintain a professional demeanor. Limit yourself to a couple of drinks and make sure to drink plenty of water in between. 

Be inclusive. 

Make sure to invite everyone in your department to happy hour. You don’t want anyone to feel left out or excluded. This is a great opportunity to get to know your coworkers on a personal level and build stronger relationships. Be sure to include new hires and interns as well. This will help them feel more comfortable and welcome in the workplace.

Don’t: 

Talk about work the entire time. 

While happy hour is a work-related event, it’s important to take a break from talking about work. Use this time to get to know your coworkers on a personal level. Talk about hobbies, interests, and anything else that isn’t work-related. This will help you build stronger relationships with your coworkers outside of work and make the work environment more enjoyable. 

Overshare personal information.

While it’s important to get to know your coworkers on a personal level, it’s also important to be mindful of what you’re sharing. Don’t overshare personal information that could make your coworkers feel uncomfortable. Keep the conversation light and positive. 

If you're looking for a quality happy hour to visit with your coworkers, go to Bungalow Inn in Lakeland, MN. This family-owned and -operated restaurant and bar offers quality food, tasty drinks, such as margaritas and wine, and an atmosphere where you can relax. Call (651) 436-5005 for operating hours and learn about their menu.