Work happy hours can be a great way to bond with colleagues and unwind after a long day. But when alcohol is involved, these casual gatherings can quickly become tricky to navigate. Business Insider spoke with etiquette expert Myka Meier, who shared the most common mistakes people make at happy hours—and how to avoid them.
1. Drinking Too Much Can Damage Your Reputation
According to Meier, overindulging in alcohol is the number one mistake employees make during work happy hours.
"When alcohol is involved, we lose our inhibitions and, with that, our judgment," Meier explained. "Loose lips sink ships—and in this case, that ship could be your career."
Having too many drinks can lead to oversharing, gossiping, or saying things you wouldn’t normally say in a professional setting. Limiting your intake helps ensure you’ll face your colleagues the next day without regret.
2. Dress Casually, But Stay Professional
While happy hour attire doesn’t need to be as formal as your office wardrobe, Meier advises avoiding outfits that are too casual or revealing.
"You’re not expected to show up in a blazer or tie," she said, "but you still want to represent yourself in the best light possible."
Think relaxed and polished, rather than weekend wear.
3. Keep Physical Contact to a Minimum
Even in a casual bar environment, maintaining professional boundaries is important.
"If you wouldn’t usually hug a colleague in the office, don’t start at happy hour," Meier advised. A handshake is the safest way to greet and interact with coworkers without crossing any lines.
4. Keep Conversations Light and Respectful
Happy hour is a great time to get to know coworkers better—but avoid overly personal or intrusive questions, such as asking about dating or family plans.
Instead, Meier recommends open-ended topics like:
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Where someone grew up
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Their favorite travel destination
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Their college experience
Casual conversation is encouraged, but steering clear of sensitive topics prevents misunderstandings.
5. Stick to Professional Compliments
Complimenting a colleague on their work is always appropriate. But comments on appearance can be risky in a social setting.
"Even if you mean well, a comment like, ‘That dress looks amazing on you,’ can easily be misinterpreted," Meier said. "It’s one of the fastest ways to end up in an HR conversation—especially if there’s a power imbalance."
Work happy hours can strengthen relationships and foster team spirit—but only if you approach them with professionalism. By knowing your limits, keeping conversations appropriate, and maintaining respectful boundaries, you can enjoy the event without risking your workplace reputation.