It’s not uncommon for a night out with clients or business associates to include alcohol. But without some planning ahead, drinking on the job can almost certainly lead to heartache, and might even end up with a loss of a job.
Business Travel and Alcohol
Frequently when traveling with clients or business associates, dinner is part of the package. When a good day’s work has been done, alcohol is also often on the menu. Things to keep in mind when drinking during business travel:
- Although it may seem like a good time to kick back, it’s important to remember that everyone at the dinner table is still on the clock -- and still representing their employer or their company.
- No one can keep up with the sales force when it comes to drinking. That’s just a fact, so don’t even try. Not that all salespeople are heavy drinkers, but many of them frequently entertain clients and some of them have huge capacities for alcohol -- unlike the rest of us.
- Avoid the temptation to confide all of your dirty little secrets to people on the business trip after sharing a couple of drinks. They probably don’t want to hear it anyway; and it will just be more things to chalk up on the really-embarrassing-morning-after list.
- The only combination that’s worse than business travel and alcohol is business travel, alcohol and romance. The freedom of being out of town, combined with alcohol and a chance to get to know someone from the office a little better is tempting. Don’t succumb.
Business Events and Alcohol Etiquette
In Events Planning Ethics and Etiquette, author Judy Allen tackles “alcohol etiquette.” According to Allen, even if a guest doesn’t say anything, “they will keep track of how many drinks are consumed” by others. When hosting, says Allen, the host should let guests order first and follow suit. And if business clients or associates don’t order alcoholic drinks, the host probably shouldn’t be drinking, either.
Once the drinks start flowing, there’s often no turning back. Allen invites partygoers in a business environment to consider a couple of questions: what image do you want to project? And how do you want to be perceived in the industry? The answers to these questions might determine how determined you are to have a drink. (Allen, Judy. Event Planning Ethics and Etiquette. Ontario: John Wiley & Sons, 2003.)
When in doubt, employees should speak to their manager about their employer’s alcohol policies.
Tips to Stay Sober During Work Trips
Staying sober during work-related activities is probably the best bet. Since that’s not always practical -- or desirable -- keeping it to a two-drink minimum should keep the drama at bay. Eating plenty of food and drinking plenty of water in between drinks can also help business travelers maintain a sense of decorum.
Damage Control
After a night of drinking during a business trip, it may be necessary to do some damage control. Chances are, no one even noticed, but if alcohol led to some embarrassing activities, confront the behavior head-on. Apologize if necessary and show up for work the next day on time and ready to be productive.
Get more business travel tips, including Best Travel Clothes for Business Trips, Diet Tips for Business Travelers and Executive Corporate Gift Ideas.
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