Many businesses see a drinks-friendly work culture as part of their wider team building efforts – you get the chance to let off some steam and relate to your colleagues on a social level, rather than a professional one.
This helps to foster positive relationships in any team – which can only be a good thing for your employer. Research from the Human Dynamics Laboratory at MIT found that informal meetings outside of work are a precursor to the successes of a team.
An after work drink can also make you think more strategically, according to a recent University of Illinois study that tested the effects of alcohol on problem-solving.
And a certain level of inebriation can even help the creative juices to flow, according to research from the University of Illinois at Chicago – although I’m sure that should be limited to the boundaries of the pub beer garden, and not whilst working in the office!
Where are Britain’s Biggest Beer Loving Businesses?
From “Beer Fridays” and other weekly drinks events to an in-office drinks fridge, many companies are eager to advertise this side of their social efforts. Adzuna looked at its job adverts to find which employers are most likely to include information about such events.
Adzuna’s UK Office Beers Map shows that in the UK, companies in London, the South East, and the North West are most likely to promote their beer-friendly events in their job ads. Outside of London, the top five UK cities are Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham and Birmingham.
Top UK Beer Regions Outside London
- South East Englan
- North West England
- Yorkshire
- South West England
The UK’s major cities often have a lively drinking culture due to the various pubs and bars available in the vicinity – and the excellent public transport systems they offer, which means you rarely have to drive home. There is also a link between long working hours and increased alcohol consumption.
The lowest number of such job ads come from Scotland, Northern Ireland and North East England.
Companies With Vacancies Right Now Offering Free Beer To Staff:
- Anyvan – Online Marketplace For Moving
- Investoo – Online Trading School
- Yoyo Wallet – Fintech Company
- Ayima – Digital Marketing Agency
- Expocart – Exhibition material supplier
- Clearscore – Credit report provider
- SumUp – Mobile payments company
- Resharmonics – Software as a service business
- MarketInvoice – Peer-to-peer finance platform
- DeskPRO – Software as a service business
Travel, Logistics and Science Prove To Be Dry Sectors
When we look at the different industries and sectors, consultancy jobs are the most likely to include drinks-based activities in a job advert, followed by the IT and sales sectors. This could be due to a deep-rooted culture where drinking at work means career success for particular industries over others – which is prevalent for the financial and legal sectors, research reveals.
The sectors that did not feature any mention of social drinking activities include travel-based roles, logistics and warehouse, and scientific QA.
What if you don’t drink?
The offer of an after work drink does not automatically mean you have to have an alcoholic tipple. Movements like Club Soda have recently sprung up to help you to be more mindful of your drinking habits – whether you want to cut down on your drinking, or cut it out completely.
There are plenty of ways to limit your alcohol intake on a works night out. You can set yourself a limit on the number of drinks you’ll have on a night out, opt for an alcohol-free beer or a mocktail, make sure you eat before or during your night out, avoid rounds, alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks – or just make it clear that you’re not drinking for that night.
It’s an obvious point, but excessive booze-fueled behaviour will also have a negative impact on your career. If you completely lose control, you will damage your chances of promotion, the respect of your colleagues – or you could even get fired. Insurance company Lloyd’s of London also introduced a lunchtime drinking ban last month,reportedly to bring the institution into line with others in the industry rather than tackle an increase in alcohol-related incidents.
But remember, a beer-friendly job advert does not automatically equal a hedonistic work environment! Most companies want their employees to socialise on some level – whether that’s an away day, a chat at the water cooler or a trip to the pub beer garden, it’s all part of a wider drive to forge stronger teams.
How to avoid drinking too much on a work night out
- Set yourself a limit: Work out how many drinks you want to have on a night out and stick to it. Whether it’s a few pints or one small glass of wine – it’s important to know your limits.
- Try something different: There are plenty of alcohol alternatives out there. Alcohol-free or low-alcohol beers and wines are more readily available and mocktails are another popular option in many bars.
- Go eat: Having a meal before you go out or during a works night will help you to line your stomach – and stop you filling up on alcohol. Meals also provide a break from drinking where you can switch to an alcohol-free option.
- Avoid rounds: if you have to keep pace with your friends and colleagues, then it can make it difficult to stop when you really know that your should.
- Alternate your drinks: try alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks if you still want a tipple but don’t want to go overboard.
- Just say no: Make it clear that you’re not drinking on a night out. It’s a coherent and clear message – and the only real way to really avoid the pitfalls of drinking on a work’s night out.
