Cologne is not Rio de Janeiro, but Germans love carnival no less
Carnival in the Rhine cities can be considered one of the most beloved corporate holidays in Germany. During this time, communication with colleagues and superiors in an informal setting is unavoidable. Thus, like any corporate event, it can become a test of endurance. "The time of fools," as carnival is also called in Germany. It is important, while having fun wholeheartedly, not to end up looking foolish and not to play a cruel joke on your own career.
Brigitte Padberg's office is in Bonn. And in this city, carnival is sacred. "In the Rhine region, two rules apply," says the business coach. "Either you dive headfirst into the carnival chaos, or you immediately admit that you are an opponent of carnival and try to ignore what is happening."
Staying "above the foolish fun," especially if you live in Germany's carnival epicenters, is a difficult task. There are few ways to avoid the corporate holiday. You can go on a business trip during this time or take a vacation. But walking around with a sour face in the midst of general merriment is not recommended. Like it or not, you'll have to join the others.
However, whether there will be a carnival in the office is decided by the management, since most days of carnival week are not officially holidays. "Although in some places, employees are almost forcibly 'stuffed' into carnival costumes. For example, in the city administration," says Brigitte Padberg. "But bank or postal employees may be asked to wear a bright scarf over their strict suit."
Experts advise finding out in advance what carnival dress code applies in your company. Otherwise, you might end up as a black-and-white crow among painted colleagues or go to a meeting with an important client dressed as a clown, which is also not entirely appropriate.
Carnival week begins with the so-called "Women's Carnival Thursday." According to tradition, in the "carnival cities and villages," there is a hunt for men's ties on this day.
Brigitte Padberg assures that if a woman takes scissors and cuts off a man's tie on this day, it will not cause indignation. "Even the President of Germany would understand such a joke," the expert is confident. "But if a man who usually wears a tie comes without one on 'Women's Carnival Thursday,' there may be talk behind his back."
In those regions of Germany where carnival is celebrated on a smaller scale, one should be more careful with tie-cutting. It could even end in a lawsuit. In the carnival capital of Cologne, a cut-off tie is a sign of special favor. Walking around on 'Women's Carnival Thursday' with an intact tie is even somewhat awkward. Resistance is inappropriate. It's better to come in a cheaper tie.
Another delicate point of office carnival celebrations is alcohol. No matter how many cases of champagne the management has stocked, a corporate party is not a friendly get-together. An employee with a glass in hand remains the face of the company, and that face has no right to end up in the salad by the end of the evening.
"The greatest danger is familiarity with the boss, which many slip into under the influence of alcohol and the festive atmosphere," warns Brigitte Padberg. In the morning, the boss will wake up and draw his conclusions, experts caution.
German corporate traditions prescribe maintaining restraint even in the midst of the celebration. "From experience, I can say that bosses also allow themselves to relax," says Brigitte. "Employees do not always find such behavior appropriate. The ice here is quite thin."
If a costume party is announced at the enterprise, a carnival outfit is indispensable. The task is made easier by the fact that in the Rhine regions, carnival costumes and masks can be found in any department store. However, with such an offering, homemade costumes are increasingly valued, even if not as beautiful, but sewn with soul and imagination. So you can take note: a handmade costume will signal to the boss that his employee is a creative person.
At the same time, experts warn against overly revealing carnival costumes. "A girl in a too frivolous outfit will, of course, become the queen of the evening, but her career may end there. The boss will think twice before promoting her," Brigitte Padberg is sure.
Caution is also advisable with photographs. Do not post them for public viewing on social networks. After all, the management might also show curiosity.
So maybe it's better not to celebrate carnival at work at all? Not at all! If you are new to Germany, the "fifth season" will help you settle into a German company, get to know the boss better, and meet colleagues. Eat, drink, be merry, and see off winter – the message is the same. But the main thing is not to forget about carnival etiquette.