“Companies are realizing that you can create more meaningful connections without relying on a drink in hand.” – Leanne Spencer.
Work events with alcohol are pretty common. Happy hours, end-of-quarter parties, even client meetups, there’s often a drink in hand. The idea is that it helps people relax, chat, and build better relationships.
Let’s be honest… One or two drinks usually aren’t a big deal. However, we’ve all seen situations where someone has gone too far. Maybe they said something they regretted, or got a little too casual around colleagues. In a professional setting, those moments can stick and not in a good way.
Then there’s the flip side. Not everyone drinks. For some, it’s about health. For others, it’s personal, cultural, or religious. They shouldn’t feel like outsiders just because they’re not holding a glass. If the only way to feel part of the group is by joining the drinking crowd, something’s off.
There’s also risk. Alcohol can blur judgment, especially at an office gathering. Harassment complaints, poor decisions, or safety issues can follow. And while it doesn’t happen all the time, the fact that it can, and does, is reason enough to pause and rethink the norm.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that even moderate consumption can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, especially in social situations.
That’s not ideal in a professional setting, where boundaries are crucial. Here’s an example from a different stage: the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Many expected the event to fall flat due to strict rules around alcohol. No beer is allowed in stadiums, and sales are limited in fan zones, leaving some fans upset before the event begins. However, what happened surprised many people.
Over 3.4 million people attended the games. The fan zones averaged more than 70,000 visitors each day. The energy was there. The excitement was real. And many fans, especially women, said they felt safer. Fewer alcohol-fueled fights or harassment reports. That’s no small thing.
Compare that to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where alcohol was widely available and excessive drinking led to public disturbances in some cities.
The World Health Organization has documented increased risks of violence and accidents in large-scale reunions when alcohol is prevalent. So what can be learned from that?
For starters, the connection doesn’t depend on cocktails. Some companies now lean into sober-friendly options. Coffee meetups. Wellness sessions. Volunteer days. Even lunch outings where people can talk.
These alternatives align with recommendations from the CDC’s Total Worker Health program, which encourages organizations to create inclusive environments that reduce substance-related risks while promoting overall health.
These small changes make a big difference for folks who don’t drink.
Some organizations have successfully introduced alcohol-free functions. For example, a report by Forbes highlights companies offering coffee hours, wellness activities, and volunteering as alternatives, which have led to increased employee participation and comfort.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health, fostering both physical and psychological safety, especially in social settings, can enhance employee well-being and performance.
Also, employees who choose to stay sober are more alert and clear-headed. They avoid the awkward next-day apologies or damage control. And, by showing that it’s completely okay to opt out, they help shift culture in a more respectful direction.
Experts emphasize that employers should accommodate all employees. Dr. Jennifer Deal, Co-Director of the Epidemiology Doctoral Program and Associate Professor, noted that respectful settings, based on acceptance and flexibility, allow people to feel welcome without pressure to conform.
Bottom line? There’s nothing wrong with a drink, but it shouldn’t be the ticket to belonging. People should feel comfortable saying no, without needing to explain why. If the goal of a work event is to build trust and community, then alcohol should never be the only way in.
Qatar proved that you don’t need booze to create excitement or unity. Maybe it’s time we applied that lesson to our own offices, too.
“Drinking in professional settings comes with risks and can alienate colleagues. There are better ways for physicists to socialize.” – Nathalie Vriend.
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