The office party has become a yearly rite of passage signalling your ability to survive the boss's early morning wise cracks and the constant buzz of the light above your office desk. Does this mean you should give yourself over to the party gods for sacrifice?

My advice: don't do it. Your office party may be there to signal the culmination of a year of hard work, but what it definitely isn't, is a reason to run wild.

Due to the economic stress that most companies have been placed under this year, office parties are likely to be a lot more low key than in previous years, which is directly proportional to the extent of office party misbehaviour that should occur.

Here are a few tips to surviving the office party with poise and grace so that you don't have to think twice about what the office secretary and her buddy Marge are talking about as you walk past her desk.

Arrive on time. If it means waiting for one or two moments in your car to touch up your make-up or make sure your hair is brushed, do it. There's nothing more awkward that hanging around the empty venue too early, sipping at a martini on your own. And it doesn't look good. Worse still, don't be late. Late-comers are sending out the message that they have better things to do. It just doesn't look good.

Dress appropriately. Sure, there's nothing wrong with looking good, but keep the vitals covered and make sure you're dressed to the occasion. Wearing heels to a beach event is probably totally impractical, while board shorts to a formal dinner are unlikely to assist you in gaining the respect of your boss and colleagues.

Chat to your boss. Whether it's a conversation in passing or a downright gab over that new restaurant you've both been to, make an effort to chat to your boss. Taking the time to chat shows them that you're not only respectful but also appreciative. No need to suck up though. No boss likes a schmoozer.

Hold back. There's nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, but do it with discretion. There is nothing worse than ending up drunk and crying on your boss's shoulder. Worse still is being dubbed the office glutton by colleagues. No matter how good the food is, or how much free alcohol is available, it's in your interests to keep yourself together.

Conversation. Struggling to find something to chat about with colleagues? Start with something general that you all might be aware of. And no, that does not mean the weather. The current economic climate can be a good conversation starter. Bringing it up can also show that you watch the news. Just don't dwell on it too much, and make sure you move swiftly along if someone starts getting teary-eyed.

Take your cue. Know when to say goodbye. There's nothing wrong with having a good time, but it's important that you leave with your reputation intact.

Lastly, remember to keep the professional edge that got you hired in the first place. Office parties are events meant to reward employees and raise morale. Treat it as a business event and be aware that how you conduct yourself at this event could influence that promotion that you arre hoping for.

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