Less than 10% of Europeans think it is acceptable to have an alcoholic drink during the working day, and two thirds believe it is unacceptable at any time.
Ireland, 27th November 2003 ñ Do you have any boozy lunches planned during the lead up to Christmas? If the answer is yes, you are one of the very few Europeans who feel it is acceptable to have a drink during office hours, according to Monsterís latest survey!
The Monster Meter asked, ìIs it acceptable to have an alcoholic drink during the working day?î Nearly 24,000 Europeans placed a vote, revealing:
57% (13,421) ñ No, it would be inappropriate
28% (6,558) ñ One glass of wine or beer is acceptable at lunch time
8% (2003) ñ Yes, people in my office often drink at lunch-time
7% (1,734) ñ Yes, especially in the lead up to Christmas
Visitors to the Irish site, Monster.ie said:
40% said: No, it would be inappropriate
7% said: One glass of wine or beer is acceptable at lunch time
45% said: Yes, people in my office often drink at lunch-time
8%Yes, especially in the lead up to Christmas
These results might come as a surprise to some considering the Irish reputation abroad for drinking: we scored a lowly 7% in the one glass of beer/ wine is acceptable at lunch time category. This implies that our fondness to the odd beverage is mainly confined to after work hours.
Our British neighbours scored the highest, almost half (46%), in the same category. Considering that the European average percentage of people choosing this option is only 29%, the Brits stand out by miles!
Interestingly, several countries appear to be split on this decision: Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Italy have equal numbers of respondents choosing the opposing options ìNo, it would be inappropriateî and ìOne glass of wine or beer is acceptable at lunch time.î
In contrast, the majority of respondents in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany feel that any amount of alcohol during the working day is unacceptable - 86%, 80%, and 75% respectively. These steadfast sentiments do not change at Christmas-time ñ the European average of people who feel that a ëfestiveí drink is the exception to the rule is only 8%. However, the Finns are more inclined to make an allowance ñ 12% say that a drink during the working day is acceptable especially in the lead up to Christmas.
Clearly, a significant amount of Europeans have strong opinions on drinking during office hours, jarring with British attitudes. We can only put this down to fundamental differences in working cultures.
Most Irish workers would argue that there is no harm in having a drink every once in a while during lunch-time, as long as it doesnít affect your work in the afternoon.
Alan Townsend, Managing Director Monster.ie advises, ìMake sure you know the company policy on drinking during office hours. If in doubt, err on the side of caution, and limit drinking to after hours and events like the office Christmas party, when you know youíll be on the safer side!î
Bottoms Up! Irish Workers Divided When it Comes to Drinking at Work.
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