Office workers 'dreading' Christmas party small talk

Office workers will spend around 11 hours at Christmas parties this year, but most admit they are dreading having to make small talk with colleagues and bosses, according to a new survey today.

Office staff fear becoming tongue-tied when talking socially with a manager or colleague and many will revert to safe one-liners such as: ‘‘What are your plans for Christmas’’, or ‘‘I can’t believe it’s that time of year again.’’

British recruitment firm Office Angels, which polled 1,000 people, advised workers not to be afraid to approach their boss or colleague and suggested having a quirky statistic to hand, such as how many mince pies are eaten over Christmas.

‘‘Remember that office parties are supposed to be fun so you should try to relax and enjoy yourself,’’ said Paul Jacobs, corporate communications director of Office Angels.

‘‘If the thought of making small talk makes you feel uneasy, then make sure you have a few topics of conversation up your sleeve.

‘‘If you are able to demonstrate that you can mingle and chat to people in social situations, this will be a positive reflection on your character and help your recognition in the workplace.’’

Half of those surveyed said they felt under pressure to ‘‘bond’’ with colleagues at Christmas parties, making it more like hard work than enjoyment.