Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture: A Guide to Dry January and Beyond
As the New Year kicks off, many people take on the challenge of Dry January — a month-long commitment to ditching the booze. While some see it as a detox, others simply want to hit the reset button on their relationship with alcohol.
Whether it’s for employee wellness, personal choice, or just a need to press pause on the post-holiday hangover, Dry January is growing in popularity — and it’s got us thinking about how this all ties into creating an inclusive workplace culture.
At Work.Life, we believe in building a culture where everyone feels welcome. Let’s dive into how Dry January and workplace culture collide, and what employers can do to support their sober employees — not just for a month, but year-round.
Dry January: A growing movement
The workplace wellness trend of Dry January, spearheaded by Alcohol Change UK, encourages people to take a break from alcohol for the month. In 2023, more than 6 million people in the UK participated. And it’s not just about the health benefits (though, yes, you’ll definitely sleep better and feel more energized) — it’s also about shifting the narrative around alcohol, especially in social settings like the workplace.
Alcohol-Free Workplace Initiatives: Addressing Social Norms
Here’s the thing: For many people, alcohol is a big part of workplace culture. Whether it’s the “after work pint” or the “happy hour that turns into a happy evening”, socialising over drinks is a longstanding tradition in many offices. And that’s fine — unless you don’t drink. For employees who choose to stay sober, these social norms can feel like a bit of a buzzkill (pun intended). So, how can employers change the game to make sure no one feels left out?
The real impact of alcohol on workplace culture
Did you know that almost 1 in 4 employees feel like drinking is an essential part of traditional workplace bonding? Yeah, no pressure, right? According to workplace wellness research by Alcohol Change UK, workplace drinking culture can actually lead to feelings of exclusion, anxiety, and increased stress for employees who just aren’t into it.
And it’s not just about the individual choice — it’s about how workplace culture shapes the way we socialise, connect, and even work. Studies show that employees who feel pressured to drink report higher stress levels and lower engagement. When alcohol is the default social option, employees may feel they’re forced into uncomfortable situations or, worse, feel like they can’t fully be themselves. That’s where workplace culture — and your role as an employer — can make a real difference.
Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Supporting Sober Employees
At Work.Life, we know it’s about more than just offering a diet coke in place of beer (although, we’ve got plenty of that too). Every week at our social events, we offer non-alcoholic beer alongside pizza, so everyone can join in the fun without feeling left out. It’s not just about the beer; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can be themselves whatever they’re drinking. And let’s be real, non-alcoholic beer is pretty tasty these days — who knew?
It’s not all about drinks! Offering a variety of alcohol-free events is key to creating a more inclusive culture. Think coffee mornings, team challenges, or wellness sessions like yoga (yes, we know, not everyone’s a yoga guru, but it’s good for you – trust us!) At Work.Life, we make sure that every social event is designed for connection, not just consumption. The goal is to create a space where people can bond over shared interests, not a shared tab.
Everyone should feel comfortable talking about why they choose sobriety—whether it’s for health, religion, or just because they’re not feeling the tequila. It’s not just about alcohol; it’s about creating a space where employees feel supported enough to share what matters to them. Leaders can help by making open conversations the norm, whether through casual check-ins and prioritising a welcoming environment where everyone feels heard.
Dry January is not just about physical detox; it’s a great opportunity to focus on mental well-being as well. Participating in Dry January often leads to clearer thinking, better focus, and improved productivity. Employers should create a supportive culture where employees can feel comfortable discussing their mental health, with access to resources like counselling or mindfulness sessions. It’s a win for everyone — mentally, physically, and professionally.
The culture of inclusivity pays off
Building an alcohol-free workplace culture isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, whether they’re holding a gin and tonic or a sparkling water.
According to a 2022 Harvard Business Review study, companies that embrace wellness and inclusivity enjoy higher employee engagement, retention, and morale. So, supporting your sober employees isn’t just good for their well-being — it’s good for your company too!
Supporting workplace sobriety through these initiatives can lead to:
For more insights on this topic, check out these additional workplace wellness resources:
Supporting Dry January and sober employees is just the beginning. By making inclusivity part of your workplace culture, you’re setting the stage for a more welcoming, productive, and healthier environment — for everyone. Cheers to that (with or without the drink)!
Check out our blog for more insights into workplace culture and creating happier environments for your teams.