If you drink make sure you are very rich

That is me in my early 30s, chugging down my third drink of whiskey (masking it behind a water bottle just for the picture). This is when I was working for a multi-national corporation in marketing and sales, and I used to think that the only way to socialise, network and have fun was to raise a toast.

I soon realized it was not just me but there is this worldwide toxic culture of alcoholism hush-hush in corporate boardrooms where leaders openly discuss and promote how their weekend was all about alcohol and getting drunk and us down in the value chain thinking - "wow, that's so cool, i should do this too" and of course, that's what our teams did. Get drunk on alcohol on the slightest chance and "thought" we had arrived.
I hear it's gotten no better in the current scenario. With inflated employee salaries and access to a huge amount of disposable income, a lot more alcohol-serving joints, breweries, etc, the amount of young and middle-aged corporate workers falling prey to alcoholism is worrisome. Sadly, alcohol is used as a social lubricant at networking events, team gatherings, and after-work drinks. The growing corporate drinking culture raises concerns about employee well-being, productivity, and workplace dynamics.

The Normalisation of Alcohol

Alcohol is normalised in corporate settings through frequent work events, client dinners, and celebratory drinks. While some employees may enjoy these social activities, others feel pressured to drink to fit in (me!). This normalisation can blur the line between professional and personal life, making it difficult for some employees to maintain healthy boundaries.

Negative Impacts of Corporate Drinking Culture

1. Productivity Decline: Alcohol can impair cognitive function, reducing focus, decision-making, and work efficiency. Frequent drinking can lead to poor sleep, increased absenteeism, and presenteeism, where employees show up to work but are not performing at full capacity.

2. Health Risks: Regular drinking poses serious health risks, including liver disease, heart disease, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Encouraging a drinking culture may contribute to these long-term health problems, ultimately affecting both employees and the company.

3. Workplace Conflicts and Misconduct: Lowered inhibitions from drinking can lead to inappropriate behaviour, harassment, or conflicts between colleagues. These situations can escalate into legal or HR issues, damaging the company's reputation and employee morale.

4. Exclusion of Non-Drinkers: Employees who choose not to drink for religious, cultural, or personal reasons may feel excluded or uncomfortable in alcohol-centric events. This can create an environment that is not inclusive, alienating non-drinkers and reducing their engagement with the company.

Addressing the Concerns

To foster a healthier work environment, companies can take steps to reduce the negative impact of alcohol in corporate culture:

1. Promote and organise events around health: nutrition bootcamps, fitness events, offering bonuses to employees subscribing to health services like getting a fitness coach, subscribing to a mobile app which offers guidance

2. Diversify Social Events: Host a variety of team-building activities that don’t revolve around alcohol, such as wellness events, outdoor activities, or creative workshops. Offering non-alcoholic alternatives can make events more inclusive.

3. Promote Work-life Balance: Companies should focus on reducing employee stress through flexible work hours, mental health resources, and wellness programs, reducing the need for alcohol as a stress-relief mechanism.

4. Clear Alcohol Policies: Implement clear guidelines for alcohol consumption at work events to encourage responsible behaviour and prevent misconduct. This helps employees understand boundaries and reinforces professional behaviour.

5. Foster Inclusivity: Leaders should set the tone by creating spaces where non-drinkers feel comfortable and included. Encouraging non-alcoholic events and ensuring no one feels pressured to drink helps cultivate a more inclusive workplace.

6. Support Mental Health: Companies can prioritise mental health by offering resources like counselling services, mindfulness programs, and workshops on stress management. This helps employees find healthier ways to cope with work pressures.

Conclusion

Corporate drinking culture has both social and professional implications. It negatively impacts productivity, health, and inclusivity. Organisations need to shift the focus from alcohol to more inclusive, healthy ways of building relationships and managing stress. By doing so, companies can create a supportive, balanced workplace where all employees thrive.

My work at shredscientist helps corporate employees adopt a healthy lifestyle and get rid of their alcohol-drinking habits.