Is the “after-work pub social” a thing of the past?

Picture this… it’s Friday afternoon, you’ve just completed five back-to-back days of solid grind in the office, you can’t wait to let your hair down at the weekend, and then a colleague says, “Does anyone fancy a pint after work?” before the whole team gets up, heads to the pub, and orders in a round.

If you find this scenario easy to imagine, chances are that you’re one of the “more experienced” workers, as this harks back to the days of the work-hard-play-hard, bums-on-seats culture, where people couldn’t wait to do whatever they could to relax at the end of the week – and this invariably included a trip to the pub. 

But times are changing, and that includes the world of work. We no longer inhabit predominantly in-person work environments, meaning the social aspect of our professional lives is lessened, and there are far fewer people drinking alcohol these days. That doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with your colleagues, but perhaps it’s time to think about alternative social events at work that are more inclusive. After all, happier employees have been shown to boost productivity by 12% (according to a study by the University of Warwick) – so it’s a no brainer to ensure that everyone feels included.

Research carried out by UK alcohol-education charity Drinkaware shows that 43% of professionals believe there is too much pressure to consume alcohol when socialising with colleagues – even more so than when they are around friends or family – and 53% of workers would like this pressure to be lessened. Let’s explore some of the reasons why the “night at the pub” isn’t always fit for a workplace in 2024 and look at some alternative options that are sure to speak to a broader group.

Are fewer people drinking alcohol than before?

According to Alcohol Change, a UK-based charity, alcohol reached its peak consumption in the mid-2000s, and has since been decreasing in popularity – in fact, they claim the overall consumption of alcohol has reduced by 16% since 2004. Other sources cite similar trends; the NHS reports that in 2009, 37% of women drank more than three units a day, and 43% of men drank more than four units a day. In 2019, these figures had fallen to 30% and 33% respectively.

Interestingly, the younger members of the workforce are also drinking far less alcohol than generations before, too. Gen Z (those born between 1992-2012) are expected to make up 27% of the workforce by 2025, but according to a report by Mintel, around a third of people aged 18 to 24 say they do not drink alcohol at all. In fact, Gen Z has been dubbed “the sober-curious generation” by some sources, drinking an average of 20% less than millennials (those born between 1981-1996), and many also prefer buying low or no-alcohol drinks. Mintel also say that just 36% of young adults commonly socialise at bars or pubs, with the preferred options including eating at restaurants, taking part in online gaming, or going to the cinema.

The jury’s out as to the exact reason why we’re seeing a shift towards a society that drinks less, but the heightened awareness of the impacts on our health and wellbeing, plus the rise of social media (and therefore the risk of any out-of-character behaviour being displayed to the masses), are sure to play a part. In fact, 49% of Gen Z say their online presence is always at the back of their mind when they consume alcohol.

The trend seems to extend to the older generations, too. Research carried out by Censuswise and drinks brand Eisberg revealed that 20% of generation X (those born between 1965-1980) are tee-total, and more than 30% are cutting back on alcohol or exploring sobriety. 

In addition to differences between the generations and how they consume alcohol, it’s also worth being mindful of the diverse range of cultures and religious beliefs in our workspaces. Many people choose not to drink alcohol for these reasons, amongst many others, so it’s far more inclusive to put on social events that aren’t centred around alcohol, so that they too can join in the fun.

What workplace activity could you do instead of going to the pub?

Whether you’re planning an official team-building activity or considering a last-minute catch-up after work, it’s worth thinking about other options than just going to the pub. For more organised affairs, why not consider something like an escape room – where colleagues work as a team to solve puzzles and games – or a scavenger hunt? For something more low-key, you could wander over to a nearby park with some picnic food, or head to a café or restaurant. If budget allows, you could even think about hosting a workshop in the office, which could involve anything from arts and crafts to singing or yoga.

Putting on a variety of social activities is an excellent way to increase good office culture, which could have a positive impact on morale, wellbeing, and workplace happiness, and means people who have previously felt alienated can join in. Research shows that 34% of employees actively avoid work socials due to alcohol, so there’s a high chance that they’ll be more willing to engage if alternate options are available.

If you’re curious to learn about the importance of a good workplace culture, check out our What Workers Want report for 2024, where we delve into insights gathered from almost 12,000 professionals and employers.