Holiday Santa isn’t the only one making a list of naughty and nice this holiday season. A new survey by The Creative Group suggests managers also pay attention to how employees behave at their company holiday events. Nine out of 10 executives (92 per cent) polled recently said workers’ office party antics can affect their career prospects.

The national study was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service providing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm.

Advertising and marketing executives were asked, “To what extent do you think an employee’s behaviour at an office holiday party can affect — either positively or negatively — his or her career advancement prospects?”

“There often are many influential people in the room at office holiday parties,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. “Although these gatherings can be festive, it’s important to keep in mind that they are still work events. You want to exhibit poise and good judgment throughout, no matter how casual the celebration may seem.”

Farrugia noted that office holiday parties are an opportune time to network within your company. “In many businesses, there may be few chances to mingle with corporate executives and others throughout the organization,” she said. “Employees should use these events to form positive connections with colleagues outside their usual circle. Being well-networked internally can help professionals perform better and enhance their value to their firms.”

Be sure to check back in tomorrow’s Workology section for a story on how to survive office holiday parties, which will include everything from why workplace gatherings can cause the anxiety they do, to how to clean up after some embarrassing gaffes.