It is without a doubt, socialising in the workplace, in most industries, has historically involved alcohol. Often a lot of it. 

I have been there myself. Years of lunchtimes in the pub, client entertaining over dinners, events of drinking for four days straight and trying to be the ‘fun one’ by organising team shots. 

Socialising with your team and clients is hugely important, especially with the hybrid working life we now find ourselves in, however is it slightly crazy to think alcohol is at, or has been at, the centre of this?

Lockdown forced many people to assess their lifestyles. From their health, physically and mentally, to what helped people through that tough pandemic and a part of that was undoubtably drinking habits. 

Some drank more alcohol to begin with, some took the opportunity to remove alcohol and some people understood their relationship with alcohol better during the silence. It was a chance to understand how much of our drinking was down to social norms or ‘habit’ and how much was because we really loved and enjoyed a G&T or glass of wine.

What’s our story?

For us personally, we were big drinkers, binge drinkers I guess you could categorise it as. That has been named the most dangerous type of drinking. During lockdown we continued to binge drink until we realised a hangover stuck at home is surprisingly worse than having to go into the office. We were doing HIIT workouts every day and eating well, all to be followed by far too many G&T’s, ruining the days health and ruining tomorrows workout. 

That is when we started exploring alcohol-free spirits and realised for the first time, the innovations happening in the market. Almost over night, I developed a passion for the alcohol-free world and the incredible non-alcoholic innovations. There are over 500 alcohol-free spirits alone and even more wines, beers and adult soft drinks. 

I had the passion and my drinking slowly started to change to what it is today as I changed both my mindset and habits. I have a more mindful approach to drinking now. I enjoy a Gin & Tonic or a glass of red, but I avoid the heavy drinking events such as ‘Bottomless Brunches’ and shots. When I have a drink in certain groups, the voice inside me still says ‘get the shots, they’ll think you are fun’ but my new voice overpowers that now.  

So, how does this apply to the workplace?

Well, many employers and companies are now placing huge importance on mental wellbeing, inclusivity and of course productivity. All of which alcohol does not support.

Those who don’t want to or cannot drink, are being invited to a social event fuelled by alcohol where they are likely to feel uncomfortable or included up until a point. 

The fact that alcohol is central to socialising or networking is quite insane when you think about it. Many feel the need to have a drink to relax and unwind into a work setting. What about if we changed that mindset through education and extremely tasty cocktails by removing the alcohol. Everyone will still have a glass of bubbly or a G&T, just without the alcohol. Hey, it could even be interesting to pour everyone a glass of alcohol-free Champagne without disclosing the 0% alcohol and see how people start to relax and change - we have seen it happen before and all know how strong the placebo effect can be. 

When we go to the pub and have an alcohol free spirit, tonic and garnish, there aren’t any questions from peers and we immediately feel ‘part of the action’. Perhaps we could even look at functional drinks in the workplace. Sentia Drinks are a perfect example. Sentia use all natural botanicals which boosts GABA activity, making you feel lifted without any of the downsides. We recently showcased this at the Club Soda Mindful Drinking Festival and 60% of people said they felt a difference in their mood with this being crowned the overall favourite out 8 spirits. 

Organise your employee alcohol free event today

As Sober October and Christmas approaches, now is the perfect opportunity for you to organise a  mindful cocktail making event or alcohol-free cocktail boxes for your team to socialise without the booze.

Contact us today about your corporate event and requirements using the button below or directly on social media @jomoclubofficial.