In every industry, office camaraderie can have a significant impact on employee happiness, satisfaction, and success. For this reason, many companies encourage coworkers to bond outside of work, engaging in activities such as going to happy hour at local restaurants. If you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks with colleagues, follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure you handle the night like a professional.

Do

Buy a Round

Purchasing a round of drinks for the group will make you immediately popular because everyone will appreciate this gesture. You’ll start the evening on a positive note and the favor will certainly be returned as someone else picks up the next round.

Discuss Topics Outside of Work

If the event takes place outside of normal working hours, don’t feel guilty if you want to talk about something else. Picking a different topic will allow your colleagues to get to know the real you. You can use this time to ask your coworkers about their families or trade recipes for the next company potluck.

Don’t

Forget to Eat

Happy hour typically occurs right after work, which is also when most people eat dinner. Eat some food at the bar and take advantage of this opportunity to treat yourself to some unhealthy snacks, like potato skins or mozzarella sticks. 

Gossip About Others

After a drink or two, you might find yourself beginning to relax and truly have fun. However, you shouldn’t feel comfortable enough to start gossiping—especially about your coworkers. This kind of talk can damage work relationships and make it seem like you’re not a team player, so focus on non-work-related topics instead.

 

Following these rules can ensure you and your coworkers have a great time and become a close-knit team. And if you’re looking for the perfect happy hour to visit, choose Grins Restaurant in San Marcos, TX. Serving up delicious treats like sizzling fajitas and catfish, they’ll also wow your taste buds with a wide range of specialty margaritas and ice-cold beer. To learn more about events and private parties, call them today at (512) 392-4746. You can also view their full menu on their website.