For many of us, our annual holiday office party is merely an opportunity to get a little tipsy on the company dime and pray that we don’t embarrass ourselves in front of our coworkers. However, if you’re framing your office party as an event to be endured, you’re thinking of it all wrong. According to a recent survey, they might just be dating gold (and no, I’m not talking about engaging in another awkward makeout session with Eddie the mail room guy. #truestory)

UK online printer, instantprint, conducted research which revealed that 64 percent of office workers feel more confident at the Christmas party talking to colleagues that they wouldn’t normally encounter, leading to romance for almost half (47 percent), with over a fifth sharing a kiss (22 percent). (Maybe Eddie the mail room guy was onto something…)

If you think it’s only entry level employees that let their hair down at company shindigs, think again. Senior management are most likely to stay out until 2 a.m. or later (20 percent), propping up the bar with their colleagues in sales and marketing (19 percent).

In fact, if life of the party types are your cup of tea, you don’t need to look any further than the sales and marketing team. According to the survey, sales and marketing let their hair down most at the party and are thought to be the wildest (30 percent). However, if you’re looking to actually end the party with a smooch, you might want to sidle up to that cute and nerdy guy who works in IT. People in the IT dept are the most likely to kiss someone (31 percent).

So, what can we take away from these results? Well, first of all, they suggest that office parties are actually a great place to make potential romantic connections, provided that things don’t go sideways. People are more relaxed than usual and more open to connecting in ways that they wouldn’t when they’re in work-mode.

Here are a few tips for finding your date at your next holiday staff party and beyond.

1. It’s all about moderation.

A little bit of alcohol goes a long way when it comes to loosening your nerves. However, it’s easy to go overboard. According to HR professionals surveyed, over half report being nervous about going into work the following day as half said something that they regret (52 percent), kissed someone (22 percent), told their boss that they thought of them (16 percent) and even admitted to applying for other jobs (15 percent)! Sixty-nine percent admit to being really hungover at work the next day and a fifth even being sick, all despite 61 percent going home before 11 p.m.! Yikes.

If you drink, don’t be afraid to imbibe. However, know your limits and go slowly. The same goes for dating outside of the office. Meeting for a beer or a glass of wine is a perfect first date idea, however make sure you set yourself a limit of 1-2 drinks, so that your judgement doesn’t become clouded by too many Bourbon Sours (see above re: Eddie the mail room guy).

2. Be open. But not too open.

Instead of going into the party or date looking for a potential relationship or hook-up, use the slightly more relaxed atmosphere to actually learn about your single coworkers. Ask them questions. Listen attentively. Show interest and be curious. Crack a few jokes. (These are all things that you should keep in mind when you’re meeting someone new – inside or outside of work!)

Just make sure you avoid TMI topics and/or being inappropriate. Don’t go in for a hug or kiss with a coworker just because you know they’re single. Ask first. If the current news cycle has taught us anything, it’s that consent is required. Be friendly, flirt, but keep it above board.

3. Expand your usual reach.

If you never talk to anyone who works in IT, now’s your chance. Only associate with people in the marketing department? Find someone who’s standing alone and strike up a conversation. The same strategy applies to making the most of online dating. Try approaching someone who looks interesting but that you never would have thought to message before.

Both online dating and office parties are an opportunity to take a few chances, meet new people and expand your horizons. Have fun and be safe!