Over half of UK workers want booze-free work events

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.

Alexandra Sydney, Group Marketing Director at Totaljobs, commented, ‘‘The latest research from Totaljobs shows that the wants and needs of British workers are changing. Employers should be mindful of this, as employee engagement strategies from days-gone-by, may now unintentionally be alienating some of their workforce.

“Instead, what we see is a desire for a fresh look at the range of perks and activities employers have on offer, with employees looking for options that will help complement their changing lifestyles. So, while many workers will still want to socialise over a drink, and non-drinkers may join them in doing so, this should not be treated as a catch-all solution to ensuring a positive company culture.

“By developing a company culture where no employee feels they’re excluded from social events, employers can create an open and positive work culture that can help to retain talent and improve employee wellbeing at the same time.’’

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