Too Much of a Good Thing? Unhealthy Workplace Culture at Christmas

“Work Hard, Play Hard”

Alcohol has long been associated with corporate culture and team-building events such as Christmas dos and office parties. However, this normalisation of drinking at work events can have a negative impact on workplace culture. In recent years, the idea of ‘work hard, play hard’ has become increasingly popular. This often involves the normalisation of drinking at work events, such as office parties, team-building days or networking events. Christmas is a time for celebration and lots of people enjoy having a drink or two over the festive period. While this might seem harmless on the surface, it could actually lead to a toxic work culture making it more difficult for those who might be struggling with addiction or mental health issues.

Reduce Risks of Normalising Drinking Alcohol at Work Events

One of the biggest risks of normalising drinking at work is that it can create a pressure to drink. Those who don’t drink, for whatever reason, may start to feel left out or like the odd one out. This can be especially true for those who are in recovery from alcohol addiction, as they may be made to feel like they’re not ‘fitting in’ with their colleagues. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression, all of which can have a negative impact on mental health.

Additionally, those with poor mental health can be especially vulnerable to the pressure to drink. For example, someone with an anxiety disorder may be particularly susceptible to the fear of saying no to alcohol, which can lead to compulsive drinking. This can be especially dangerous for those with a history of alcohol abuse, as even a single instance of drinking can trigger a relapse.

Normalising alcohol activities with corporate culture and team-building events can lead to a culture of excessive drinking. This can lead to a lack of productivity, as well as a general decline in morale and employee engagement. It can also lead to an increase in workplace accidents and other health and safety risks.

For these reasons, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks of normalising drinking at work events. Companies should strive to create a culture that is inclusive of all employees, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle choices. This may include:

• Offering non-alcoholic alternatives at work events.
• Providing training and support for those who may be struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
• Creating an environment that is accepting and understanding, employers can help their employees feel more supported and less pressured to drink.
• Providing designated drivers for office parties.

By taking steps to reduce the focus on alcohol and create a more inclusive environment, employers can ensure that team-building events and office parties are a positive experience for all employees. Employers should emphasise the importance of responsible drinking and the consequences of excessive drinking. This can help to foster a healthier and more productive workplace culture.

Creating a Healthier Workplace

While the festivities are meant to be fun and enjoyable, it is important to keep in mind the potential risks associated with excessive drinking. The holidays can bring out the best in people, but too much alcohol can lead to negative consequences for both the individuals and the company. Employers should remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate and have fun, but that it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with alcohol. By taking the necessary precautions, companies can ensure that their employees have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Supporting Health & Wellbeing in our Business Community

The Steps Together Group recognises the importance of a healthy workplace. As a direct employer, we understand only too well the need for a healthy team in order to provide a productive work place for our customers.

As business leaders, we invest time, resources and leadership to ensure that we have the very best possible people in our businesses. But like all businesses, this investment can sometimes be lost when key members of our team experience difficulty with addiction or stress, anxiety or poor mental and financial health.

During the last 3 years, Steps Together have treated over 700 individuals who have been severely impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The changes to their working life pattern, and the impact this has had on their own mental health and wellbeing has led to an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, drugs or behaviours.

Working closely to support some of the UK’s leading businesses and senior leaders during the Pandemic, Steps Together have been able to design and build a comprehensive support programme for our local business partners and key suppliers. This programme ensures that key investment in staff and productivity is not wasted post COVID-19, and supports businesses to reintegrate a productive and healthy workforce. Read more here.

Services to Support our Business Communities

Our three stage programme of support for local businesses offers our colleagues and business partners with the perfect range of solutions to suit your needs, your capacity, your reputation and your commitment to a healthy workforce. Our dedicated Workplace Outpatient Customer Care Team can help you find the perfect solution to ensure you remain productive and maintain a healthy team:

• Occupational Health Support, Policy & Training – Read more here 
• Psychological Health & Wellbeing Solutions – Read more here 
• Physical Health & Wellbeing Solutions – Read more here 

Steps Together Group is an established and leading private healthcare provider of Residential and Non-Residential Outpatient and Support Services. We offer help to individuals, families, employers and communities who are experience difficulty with, or affected by, the devastating impact that addiction or poor mental health has on their lives and wellbeing. To find out more about our services please click here. 

Please call our customer care team for a free and confidential chat today on 01744 410660, or email us at hello@rainfordhall.com