Started in the UK as a way to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Sober October is now a global phenomenon, that sees people give up alcohol for 31 days, either to raise awareness for alcohol-related diseases or just to re-evaluate ones relationship with drinking and the health benefits associated with giving it up.
With a study from the BMC Public Health showing that drinking among young people is on the decline, Tesco revealing that sales of no- and low-alcohol beer were 25% higher in June than they were at the start of the year and the ISWR claiming that the UK is ‘one of the most dynamic no/low markets’, it seems there has never been a better time than to embrace Sober October and practice moderation with alcohol.
However, alcohol still remains a staple of workplace culture. Drinking in the workplace can come in many forms – from social events and client meetings and who can forget the now defunct beer taps that were a ‘perk’ of a WeWork office. In 2019 TotalJobs found that the average UK worker spends £532 per year on work-related drinking, £25,000 over a career lifetime.
Interestingly, Drinkaware found that people felt more pressure from their co-workers to drink than family members or spouses. A third (33%) reported having been pressured by colleagues to drink more than they set out to.
As a blog on flexible work website Juggle puts it: “If your company relies on alcohol to drive socialising – either because they don’t want to search for alternatives, or they’re dismissive of the risks and side-effects – then your company doesn’t have a drinking problem, it has a culture problem.”
So, how can you incorporate sober events into your workplace and create a more inclusive environment?
Luckily, we spoke to Chris Raven, CEO at business growth agency Heur who has shared his thoughts on the benefits of sober events and how to reframe the role of alcohol in your business.
Chris says: “For so many years, work events have been characterised by boozy nights out, and often end with a rather embarrassing walk back into the office the next day. However, with changing attitudes towards alcohol, going for a ‘work drink’ or organising a team night out at a nightclub or typical drinking establishment can mean that you’re subconsciously alienating people in your office and also fostering an environment that isn’t particularly healthy or positive. Sober October provides a great time for businesses to rethink their attitudes towards work events and the role alcohol plays in organised workplace events.”
“If you want to attract Gen-Z and create a workplace environment that shows it cares about the health and wellbeing of their employees, you might want to do away with alcohol-led events altogether. Studies have shown that alcohol abuse is the main risk factor for death, poor health and disability among people ages 15 to 49 in the UK and according to a survey by DrinkAware adults ages 16 – 24 were the most likely to be non-drinkers or tee-total, with many Gen-Z employees opting out of events to avoid drinking pressure.”
“General consensus towards drinking, especially in younger and emerging generations – like Gen-Z – who have been hailed ‘the most sober generation’ – people are taking better care of their physical and mental health, which means many of them will avoid the ‘after-work drinks’ that has become part of the work culture in the UK.”
“With more and more young people staying away from alcohol, organised events that revolve around drinking can become polarising for employees and they may decide to opt out of these social gatherings which can create anxiety about their social standing at the workplace. This can be detrimental to fostering an inclusive work environment.”
“Instead, find events that can work for everyone and show that you’re a workplace that doesn’t rely on alcohol for fun. For example, hosting a guest speaker series where your employees can listen, learn and share. If you are holding an event that involves alcohol make sure there are low and no alcohol alternatives so there is choice for every level of drinker. Sober October is a great time to try out alternative work events and also to get a feel of your workplaces’ attitude towards drinking.“
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