A Primer on Business
Drinking Etiquette
By Tamara E. Holmes
Click here to read the full story on the “Unwritten”
Rules of Business Drinking.
If you decide to drink in a business setting, keep these suggestions in mind.
Temper the effect of the alcohol.
Don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach – it will speed up the intoxicating effect. Stay hydrated with water, which also will counter the impact of the alcohol.
Two is the magic number.
Even if you think you can handle more, stop at two drinks. The effect of alcohol may sneak up on you.
Maintain your glass.
If you’re not drinking alcohol or you’ve stopped for the night, keep a glass of some beverage in front of you to sip from. The acts of toasting and sharing a drink can promote camaraderie.
Look out for colleagues.
If you see a colleague has had too much to drink, make sure that person isn’t driving and has a safe way to get home. If you’re particularly friendly with the person, you may want to suggest that he or she has had enough to drink. Such actions show that you’re a team player and promote trust.
Don’t be trendy.
With business drinking, simpler is better. Maybe mojitos are all the rage when you’re hanging out with friends and family, but with business associates, it’s better to keep it simple, ordering, for example, a glass of wine or a vodka tonic (which can be ordered without the vodka and nobody would know).
Say “no” while on the clock.
If you’re eating lunch with colleagues or your workday is not complete, avoid drinking entirely. Even if others partake, you want colleagues and superiors to always know that you take your work responsibilities seriously and wouldn’t chance working with impaired judgment.
Follow the leader.
Look to those in leadership positions when it comes to business drinking and follow their leads. Never suggest that a manager or supervisor has a drink or offer to buy them one. Likewise, if a manager or supervisor orders a non-alcoholic beverage, follow suit. By mimicking the behavior of those who have climbed the corporate ranks ahead of you, you’re more likely to make the right networking moves to climb the ranks yourself.