Is This the End of Thursday Pints?
In the UK, the after-work pint has long been a staple of office culture, a space for colleagues to unwind, bond, and network outside the confines of the workplace.
However, a shift is underway as younger generations and a growing emphasis on wellness challenge the traditional drinking culture in the workforce.
At Cleo, we are less alcohol focused than some others in our industry. Our team is made up of a varied group of individuals, diverse in age, and we each have independent relationships with alcohol. Our founders, Tom and Westley, for example, approach drinking from different perspectives—Tom abstaining entirely and Westley imbibing infrequently—we’ve cultivated a workplace environment where drinking stems from inclusivity and intentionality.
“Drinking has taken a backseat in my life over the last decade, in previous jobs where drinking was seemingly woven into the role, I found I was losing time. Whether finishing early to go to the pub or wasting Fridays on hangovers, I no longer feel I need to give up that time.”
Recent statistics reflect a changing tide in UK drinking habits, particularly among younger generations. According to a survey by YouGov, 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds reported never drinking alcohol, compared to just 28% of over-55s. This trend underscores a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles and alternative forms of socialisation.
At Cleo, we embrace this shift by fostering a culture that prioritises wellness and mindful consumption. Rather than defaulting to after-work drinks as a standard form of socialising, we recognise and accommodate diverse preferences and lifestyles within our team.
Our approach to alcohol reflects our broader commitment to intentionality in all aspects of work and life. Instead of mindlessly indulging in habitual drinking, we encourage thoughtful and conscious choices. When we do choose to have team drinks, it’s not out of obligation or expectation, but rather a genuine desire to celebrate achievements, foster camaraderie, and unwind together.
When we do choose to have team drinks, it’s not out of obligation or expectation, but rather a genuine desire to celebrate achievements, foster camaraderie, and unwind together.
We can also see this shift reflected in the workspaces we are designing, no longer are business owners requesting an office bar, instead choosing recreation spaces, wellness rooms and fitness studios. At Cleo, we are concerned with creating the office of the future, workspaces that will stand the test of time and provide for the generations of workers that follow. It’s time to get creative with how we encourage socialising and company culture because before we know it, pub trips and beers in the office will no longer cut it.
By embracing a more nuanced and inclusive approach to socialising, we can challenge outdated norms and create environments where everyone feels valued and respected. As the landscape of work culture continues to evolve, we remain committed to championing wellness, diversity, and authenticity in all that we do.
