From an HR Exec: It's Time to Decenter Alcohol at Work
As we swap our loungewear for office attire and transition back to in-office and hybrid work models, the return of post-work drinks, "Thirsty Thursdays," and "Bar Cart Fridays," is making a splash. But should these boozy gatherings be making a comeback? While these events have long been a way to bond and unwind, they also create exclusionary environments and can pose significant risks for many employees. It's time to reconsider the role of alcohol in our work lives.
Image Description: A woman is standing confidently, holding a glass of what appears to be an orange cocktail. She is wearing a stylish, lime-green suit with a loose-fitting blazer and matching high-waisted trousers. Underneath the blazer, she has on a sparkly, silver top with a low V-neckline. Her accessories include bold, dangling earrings that add an elegant touch to her outfit. The background features a sophisticated, modern setting with muted tones, enhancing the overall chic and polished look. The woman exudes a sense of poise and elegance, embodying a contemporary, fashionable style.
Alcohol Use and Recovery: A Workplace Reality
In the US and Canada, a significant number of people live with alcoholism or are in recovery. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 15 million adults in the US struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). In Canada, around 18% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported heavy drinking in 2020, according to Statistics Canada. This means that in any given workplace, there are likely employees navigating addiction or recovery. For these individuals, alcohol-centered events can be triggering and alienating, making it crucial for companies to rethink their approach to social gatherings.
Decentering alcohol in company events aligns with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies by creating a more inclusive environment that respects and accommodates the diverse needs of all employees. This approach acknowledges and supports individuals in recovery, those with religious or cultural reasons for abstaining, and anyone who simply chooses not to drink. By offering alternative social activities, companies can ensure that no one feels excluded or pressured to participate in activities that make them uncomfortable, thereby fostering a more equitable and supportive workplace culture.
Alcohol and Workplace Harassment
Alcohol and workplace settings—a mix as questionable as the cosmos and cheap vodka at a dive bar. The presence of alcohol can lead to an increase in workplace assaults and harassment. Studies show that alcohol consumption can exacerbate aggressive behaviour and lower inhibitions, leading to unwanted conduct. According to a survey by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), around 75% of workplace harassment victims do not report the incidents, often due to fear of retaliation or the belief that nothing will change. Furthermore, women are disproportionately affected by harassment in environments where alcohol flows freely, making it essential for companies to create safer, more inclusive spaces.
The "Boys Club" Culture and Its Exclusionary Impact
Ah, the infamous "boys club" culture. Think "Mad Men" days, where bar carts in executive offices were standard décor. This culture often acts as a tool to marginalize women and other non-drinkers. Those who can't or choose not to participate in after-work drinks—whether due to family commitments, religious beliefs, recovery from addiction, or personal preference—are frequently left out of important networking opportunities and social bonding. This exclusion reinforces gender disparities and hinders the creation of genuinely inclusive workplace environments.
Negative Impacts of Alcohol-Centered Events
Alcohol-centered events can have several negative impacts on the workplace, including:
Exclusion of employees who do not drink
Increased risk of harassment and assault
Potential triggering of employees in recovery
Reinforcement of a "boys club" culture
Adverse effects on workplace productivity and professionalism
Increased liability for the company
Team Building Activities That Don't Center Alcohol
To foster inclusive and safe environments, companies can explore alternative team-building activities that do not revolve around alcohol.
Some ideas include:
Group fitness classes or sports events (these should be accessible)
Creative workshops (art, cooking, or music)
Volunteer opportunities with local charities
Escape rooms or team-based puzzle games
Book clubs or discussion groups
Outdoor activities like hiking or picnics
Professional development workshops and seminars
DEI Training via Bloom 😉
A Personal Experience
Let me get personal for a moment. I've experienced firsthand the dangers of alcohol-centered work events. I was assaulted at a post-work drinks gathering, an incident that has profoundly influenced my advocacy for safer and more inclusive workplace environments. This experience underscores the urgent need for companies to rethink the role of alcohol in their corporate culture.
The Sober-Curious Movement
The sober-curious movement is gaining momentum, with more people choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption for health, personal, or social reasons. Conscious companies are recognizing this shift and taking steps to decenter alcohol from their events and gatherings. By doing so, they are supporting their employees' well-being and fostering a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.
People change over time, work changes, and how we gather changes, too! People's perspectives on alcohol are evolving. And listen, I enjoy a glass of wine and a spicy margarita (sugar rim), but after reading "Quit Like a Woman" and learning more about how workplace culture is rife with drinking and how the best company culture is often just people that drink together masquerading as team building, I reflected on my own relationship (and default) to alcohol-centered team-building activities. In the early days of Bloom, I hosted a wine tasting—something I wouldn't do again. Later, we incorporated activities like spa days, pasta making, and hikes in Iceland. Drinking was optional but wasn't the main focal point. This approach allowed those who chose to drink to enjoy their beverages while ensuring that the event was inclusive. It provided a happy medium where social interaction and team bonding were prioritized over alcohol consumption, creating a more welcoming environment for all employees.
As we move towards more inclusive and conscious workplace environments, it is essential to rethink the role of alcohol in company events. By decentering alcohol, we can create safer, more inclusive spaces that respect and support the diverse needs of all employees.
Is it time for sober-curious companies? What do you think?