Alcohol has long been an integral part of work culture. In some industries, relaxing after a shift is common; in others, drinking is an integral part of the job, with client relationships built over boozy lunches and dinners.

However, the situation has gradually changed in recent years, with more Millennials now drinking alcohol less frequently than other generations. As alcohol consumption becomes less common and drinking culture is fading away, people may enjoy significant health benefits, while alcohol companies may lose profits.

Peer Pressure from Work Colleagues and Others

Peer pressure, photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels

In most areas of life, regular drinking has been institutionalized, even encouraged:

it is integrated into rites of passage, such as at colleges and universities; and continues in the workplace as a bonding, uplifting, and stress-relieving ritual. While some employees welcome drinking into their work lives, emphasising a workplace drinking culture doesn't sit well with everyone. And it's often difficult to avoid.

While some employees welcome drinking into their work lives, emphasising a workplace drinking culture doesn't sit well with everyone. And it's often difficult to avoid.

A 2019 study conducted by researchers at the University of Stavanger in Norway found that when employers or supervisors started drinking, employees felt pressured to participate. And among Britons, half of those surveyed by researchers at the University of Stirling in Scotland admitted to being pressured to drink alcohol by colleagues and family. It also shows that, overall, men feel pressured to drink more often than women, with men 20% more likely to be encouraged to drink by their colleagues and 20% more likely to be encouraged to drink by their boss 37% higher.

Emma Catterall, head of evidence and research at Drinkaware, said: “It may seem like a nice gesture to subsidize alcohol at these events, but it normalizes drinking in public places. work, which may exclude non-drinkers.” “Of course, peer pressure to drink isn't unique to the workplace, but when we researched this topic in 2019, we found that peers at work were second only to friends as the main source of pressure to drink alcohol. Their research shows that coworkers have more influence than family members or spouses in encouraging people to drink more alcohol than they intend.

Evolving work environments and putting an emphasis on inclusivity

Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating inclusive work environments. This includes being mindful of employees who may not drink alcohol due to personal, religious, or health reasons. According to a survey by Deloitte, 48% of respondents reported that their organizations are actively working to create more inclusive environments, which includes reevaluating traditional social activities centered around alcohol.

Trends of Remote Working

Illustration of Remote Working, photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels

The surge in remote work arrangements has also played a role in the decline of drinking culture among work colleagues. With many employees working from the comfort of their own homes, the opportunity for in-person social gatherings, including after-work drinks, has decreased. According to a report by Global Workplace Analytics, the number of people who work from home at least half the time has grown by 173% since 2005. They also forecast that the trends will continue to do so on a weekly basis, stabilized at about 35-40% and will stay throughout 2023.

How to Create a Healthy Drinking Culture Among Colleagues?

Illustration of People Drinking, photo by ELEVATE on Pexels

Establishing a healthy drinking culture among colleagues is essential for fostering inclusivity, promoting well-being, and ensuring a positive work environment. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a balanced approach to socializing that caters to everyone's preferences and needs.

1. Avoid Pressuring Others to Drink

Creating a workplace atmosphere that respects individuals' choices regarding alcohol consumption is fundamental in fostering a healthy and inclusive environment. Here are some specific strategies to ensure colleagues feel comfortable and supported in their decisions:

• Communicate Openly
  Encourage open and honest communication about preferences surrounding alcohol. Let colleagues know that their choices are respected, and there is no expectation for them to partake in drinking activities. Create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their boundaries without fear of judgment or ostracization.

• Respect Personal Boundaries
  Recognize that individuals may have personal, religious, or health-related reasons for choosing not to consume alcohol. Avoid probing or questioning colleagues about their choices, and refrain from making assumptions. Respect their autonomy and trust that they know what is best for themselves.

2. Create a Stress-Free Workplace

A stress-free work environment is essential for cultivating a healthy drinking culture among colleagues. By implementing strategies to reduce workplace stressors, you can create a space where individuals feel supported, motivated, and at ease. Here are specific steps to foster a stress-free workplace:

• Foster a Judgment-Free Zone
  Create an atmosphere where colleagues feel secure in their choices, knowing that they won't face criticism or judgment based on their drinking preferences. Emphasize that diversity in preferences is a strength and that everyone is welcome and valued regardless of their stance on alcohol.

• Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
  Provide flexibility in work schedules or remote work options, where feasible. Allowing employees to balance their professional and personal commitments can alleviate the stress associated with rigid work hours.

• Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
  Encourage employees to prioritize their well-being outside of work. Emphasize the importance of self-care, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing personal interests. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall mental and physical health.

3. Consider Non-Alcoholic Drinks When Planning Work Events

Inclusive event planning is crucial for creating a healthy drinking culture among colleagues. By offering a diverse selection of non-alcoholic beverages, you ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued, regardless of their drinking preferences. Here are specific steps to consider when incorporating non-alcoholic options into work events:

• Highlight Non-Alcoholic Choices in Event Communications
  Clearly communicate the availability of non-alcoholic beverages in event invitations and announcements. This sends a positive message that all colleagues' preferences are considered and respected. Additionally, When toasts or celebratory moments occur, ensure that non-alcoholic alternatives are readily available. This allows everyone to participate in the celebration, regardless of their choice to abstain from alcohol.

• Diverse Non-Alcoholic Beverage Selection
  Curate a varied and appealing selection of non-alcoholic drinks that cater to different tastes and preferences. This can include a range of mocktails, sparkling waters, speciality non-alcoholic beers, and alcohol-free wines. Providing a diverse array of options ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In conclusion, the shifting dynamics surrounding drinking culture among work colleagues reflect broader changes in our society and work environments. By implementing strategies to respect individual choices, reduce workplace stressors, and offer diverse non-alcoholic options, organizations can foster a healthy drinking culture that promotes unity and inclusivity.