Having a company happy hour can provide a relaxed environment for building workplace camaraderie. To make the most out of this social outing, keep this happy hour etiquette guide in mind. 

Do:

Relax and circulate around the room.

While you might spend your day talking business, this is your chance to reveal your personality. Talk about your hobbies, hometown, and family— and ask others about theirs. Try to broaden your horizons and talk to people you might only see in passing. Being friendly with coworkers will make going to work a lot more enjoyable.

Eat something before you drink.

After work, you might typically go home and have dinner. However, going to a happy hour event before eating can make the alcohol go straight to your head. Plan ahead by bringing a post-work snack like a granola bar or fruit. Alternatively, if your happy hour spot has food, order yourself a snack or share some appetizers with your coworkers. 

Don’ts:

Talk shop. 

Work is a comfortable topic that you might be tempted to return to during happy hour, especially if you’re unsure what else to discuss. However, if you branch out of your usual conversation topics, you might find that you and your coworkers have more in common than you thought. You may enjoy the same books or cuisine, or you can share suggestions and develop a new friendship. 

Feel pressured to drink.

Before going into happy hour, make sure you have a clear sense of your limits. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and increases impulsivity, which may be problematic around your coworkers. To remain professional and maintain their respect, set a time to leave or a drink maximum for yourself. You’ll appreciate this limit with a clear head in the morning.

For quality food and drinks, have your company happy hour at JC Supper Club in St. Louis, MO. They have New American cuisine, tasty drinks, a lounge, and a saloon. Enjoy their buffalo cauliflower or a classic burger with a delightful cocktail in hand, and decompress at their happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm. To book a private event, call (314) 755-1923 and visit them online to learn more about their selection.