By Robert Half International

Frosty the Snowman isn't the only character coming your way this holiday
season. In fact, the annual arrival of mistletoe, garland and gingerbread
cookies can transform a normally rational and well-mannered employee into
another person entirely.

Here are some memorable individuals you might soon encounter, along with tips
for making sure you don't cross the line from festive to annoying:

This worker helps the overall economy but offers nothing to your company's
bottom line. After taking excessively long lunch breaks to bag deals at the
mall, the brazen bargain hunter spends the rest of the day shopping online.
Responsible for countless hours of lost productivity, the Not-So-Secret Shopper
rudely leaves others to pick up the slack.

Tip: Don't let your gift list get in the way of your job duties. Even if your
company has a liberal computer usage policy, err on the side of caution and save
the shopping for after you get off work.

This person pays no mind to the company dress code or office décor guidelines
in December. Typically wearing reindeer antlers, a snowman sweater and candy
cane pin, she transforms her cubicle into a blinding sea of blinking lights and
tinsel. The over-the-top spectacle leaves fellow team members squinting their
eyes and scratching their heads.

Tip: It's fun to celebrate the holidays, but adhere to organizational and
departmental norms when decorating your work space and yourself. Remember:
everything in moderation.

Think that slice of pumpkin pie is protected because you put a sticky note on
it claiming ownership? Think again. Unless you put a lock on the office
refrigerator, no treat is safe when this sugar-craving sneak is roaming the
halls. The sweet-toothed bandit also comes empty-handed to potluck meals and
then shamelessly devours all the fudge brownies before anyone else gets a
bite.

Tip: Nobody likes a thief. Put the cake down slowly, and step away from the
fridge. For more on this topic, see what happens when treats go missing from the
office fridge at RobertHalf.com.

Holiday season is also cold and flu season. The germ-ridden "Sniffler" fails
to think about the greater good, coming to work when he clearly should be at
home resting. With a nose redder then Rudolph's, he coughs and sneezes his way
through the day, oblivious to the risk he poses to co-workers and their holiday
plans. The Sniffler believes he's displaying dedication, when in reality his
frustrated colleagues are grumbling about his lack of consideration and common
sense.

Tip: When you're under the weather, do everyone a favor by taking a sick day.
If you absolutely must work, ask the boss if you can telecommute.

Regardless of how casual the setting is, the annual office party is still a
work function -- not the best venue for letting loose. This fact eludes the
Party Animal. Instead of viewing the get-together as an opportunity to
strengthen or forge internal connections, this merrymaker overindulges in eggnog
and creates all kinds of awkwardness. Inevitably, the entire company will be
whispering about the Party Animal's regrettable antics by the next morning.

Tip: Allow yourself to have some fun at work events, but don't completely let
down your guard. You don't need to be the life of the party to make an
impression. Drink alcohol moderately, if at all, and don't pressure others who
are opting to abstain.

In sharp contrast to the workplace's most cheerful holiday enthusiasts, this
frosty grump is well-known for having a bad attitude. He maintains a Scroogelike
demeanor to make it clear he's not feeling festive and you shouldn't either.
Full of cynicism, smirks and sarcasm, he finds a way to pooh-pooh everything.
The Grinch remains unaware that the constant griping, groaning and gossiping are
incredibly grating.

Tip: Some people don't get into holidays, and that's all right. What's not OK
is trying to spread a "Bah humbug!" attitude to everyone else. Be mindful that
strong interpersonal skills such as tact and diplomacy are critical to career
advancement.

Not everyone at your company celebrates the same holidays, and not everyone
celebrates with the same level of enthusiasm. What's most important is to
understand and respect those differences. And if nothing else, stop swiping the
sugar cookies.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized
staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices worldwide. For more
information about our professional services, visit RobertHalf.com. For
additional career advice, view our career bloopers video series or follow us on
Twitter at @RobertHalf.