A national trend for moderation and tee-totalism is leaving many employees looking for alcohol-free work social events.
The Totaljobs report looking into workplace drinking highlights an ongoing shift in national attitudes towards alcohol, with two-thirds (65%) of UK workers believing it’s now more socially acceptable to ‘drink more mindfully’ at work events.
Three-quarters (78%) agree that their employers shouldn’t assume that all employees prefer to bond with colleagues over an alcoholic beverage.
Just under half (48%) of UK workers suggest there should be fewer professional events and incentives centred around alcohol, and two-fifths (42%) going so far as to consider rejecting a job offer from an employer with a boozy reputation.
Respondents said they were motivated to cut out alcohol by a desire for healthier lifestyles (44%), the opportunity to save money (12%), and better mental health (11%).
Just under a quarter (23%) say that they do still feel the pressure to take a tipple when attending work events, mostly to try and fit in, suggesting that the days having to down your drink in order to go up the career ladder are seemingly over.
Interestingly, the increase in workplace sobriety has for many, been a recent decision. Just under half of those putting down pints (44%) say they’ve only planned to begin lowering their alcohol intake in the last twelve months.