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Planning a corporate team event? Skip the drinks.🍸 Picture it: You're gathered with your team, drinks in hand, laughter filling the air. It seems like the perfect atmosphere for team bonding, right? But let's hit pause for a moment. Aside from the dent in health, finances and morning-after regrets, do drinks really foster authentic connections? Is it genuine if we need alcohol to let our guards down? True camaraderie goes beyond the clink of glasses and the buzz of alcohol. The real magic happens when we create an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves without the need for external substances. Genuine connections are forged when we share our stories, triumphs, and challenges without the veil of intoxication. The next time you're planning a team event, challenge the status quo. Explore avenues that encourage real conversations and authentic connections. Perhaps someone from the team can share a life event that shaped their future. Now, that's an experience that transcends the superficial and builds a foundation for lasting camaraderie.
I think there’s been a complete attitude change about this during my career. 10 years ago a work event with alcohol was seen as a treat, now it’s a bit of a test. Of course I’ve grown up in that time, but I think the rise of non-alcoholic spirits speaks to this on a wider scale. The rebalancing towards health that I’ve seen since Covid is surely also a factor. However any work event should take into account all attendees’ needs, especially if it’s not paid time. one of my bosses put it like this “no alcohol, nothing physical, nothing far from the office”. Fair.
😂 I have indeed watched many people destroy their brand and one get fired even after having a drink -or 2 - too much. There are many alcohol free options now. We should at least offer them. But, on the other hand we are adults and should be able to know what is good for us - and what not - and manage our own alcohol intake. I agree however that it shouldn’t be the base of cameraderie. It’s a bit like the people who smoke every break I feel. Many things get discussed in that smoke area that non-smokers have no idea about.
Really interesting Rebecca. I must admit I haven't been to many team events that started with drinks, but maybe that's because I've worked in the charity sector rather than corporate, so cost is an issue. Drinks were only involved if it was more of a social occasion. So we'd perhaps go for drinks after the team event. What does concern me is the peer pressure of having drinks at a work event. The pressure to 'fit in' for someone who is perhaps an alcoholic could be isolating or overwhelming.
You've got a good point here.
An interesting thought! I remember long ago that one of my work colleagues changed from a warm, kind man to someone who was violent after a few drinks. Impossible to manage for whoever was in charge
I personally avoid all boozy environments: nothing I appreciate there!
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10moAgreed and also can bring a not so good 'braveness' when giving your thoughts, which might you may regret the next morning. I think the best times I've had for team bonding was a sports day, we had welly wanging, egg and spoon etc and on a leaving do, we did a muddy obstacle course (which was made specifically for children) but I hadn't laughed so much in ages, great fun, brought out our inner child and no expectations to win or lose, in fact we all helped each other over bits of the course 😁