What effect does alcohol on you?
On the most popular day of the week for work drinks, new research from alcohol education charity Drinkaware reveals three in four 18-24 year olds say they think it’s acceptable to get drunk in front of workmates.
This is despite over half admitting they have done something they regret as a result of drinking too much after work.
The research by ICM reveals 66 per cent of young men say they drink more than they intended at after-work drinks, compared to 55 per cent of young women.
While many say they go for after-work drinks to get to know their colleagues, 40 per cent reported going because they didn’t want to miss out on a good night. Over half of those who reported feeling pressure to buy a round said they go for after-work drinks every week.
Siobhan McCann, Head of Campaigns and Communications at Drinkaware, says: “There is nothing wrong with going for a drink with colleagues after work - many people feel it’s a good way to get to know people in a more relaxed environment. But it’s important to try to stay in control and avoid the slippery slope of “just one drink” turning into a raucous all-nighter.
“For someone just starting their career, it can be tricky to see the line between having a laugh and embarrassing yourself in front of colleagues. Simple tips like eating before drinking, pacing yourself and trying to make every third drink a soft will help keep you and your career on track.”
Encouragingly many 18-24 year olds are already making attempts to display good work drinks etiquette, particularly young women:
- 55% of young women stop drinking when they’ve had enough versus just 42% of young men.
- 47% of young women make sure they eat a good meal before going out compared to just 37% of young men.
- 35% of young women try to drink slowly versus 29% of young men.
However for those attending work drinks, it can be tricky to avoid the pressure to keep up - half of those surveyed admit getting “very drunk” with colleagues at least once in the last month. As many as 83 per cent say they have seen a colleague do something embarrassing as a result of drinking to excess after work.
Over half of young adults admit they have been hungover at work at least once in the last month because of a heavy drinking session with people from work. Young adults confess they regretted a variety of drunken displays in front of colleagues - being sick, falling asleep, kissing a colleague and criticising their boss.
Michael Gentle, Head of Consumer Marketing at Monster Job Site, UK & Ireland says:
“Socialising with colleagues is an important part of working-life, often boosting employee engagement, morale and team bonding. However it’s important to remember that if you get carried away, you have to face your drinking companions in the morning.
“Losing your composure on a night out could mean losing the respect of your colleagues or causing long term damage to your reputation. In what is still a fragile job market, it’s important to show you are professional and take your role seriously. Remember your limits and stick to them – you’ll be thankful for it the next day.”