Alcohol Awareness Week: How HR & Business Leaders Can Build a Healthier Culture
As Alcohol Awareness Week approaches, there’s never been a better time to reflect on the role alcohol plays in workplace wellbeing. It’s often overlooked, but the impact is real—affecting productivity, morale, inclusion, and long-term health outcomes for your team.
This year’s theme invites us to rethink not just how we talk about alcohol, but how we shape our workplace culture around it. Whether you’re in HR, leading a business, or heading up a wellbeing strategy, here’s how you can use this week to spark positive, lasting change.
Why Alcohol at Work Needs More Attention
In many businesses, alcohol has a quiet but powerful presence. From post-work pints to client lunches and celebration fizz, it can seem harmless—even helpful for bonding.
But the reality?
1 in 4 employees say they drink more due to work-related stress (Alcohol Change UK)
Alcohol misuse costs UK employers an estimated £7.3 billion annually in lost productivity (Public Health England)
The CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work 2024 report identified alcohol-related behaviours as a rising concern in staff absence and presenteeism
These impacts are often hidden. Team members may be physically present but mentally checked out, less able to focus, more prone to emotional reactivity, or silently struggling with addiction behind the scenes.
What Role Does Workplace Culture Play?
Culture is contagious. And if workplace socials are built around booze, it can send a subtle message: “You’re not part of the team unless you drink.”
This creates a real problem for those who are:
Actively trying to reduce or quit alcohol
Dealing with recovery
Avoiding drinking for health, religious or personal reasons
The result? Exclusion, pressure, and increased stigma around speaking up or opting out.
Practical Ways HR & Leaders Can Help
There’s no need to ban prosecco Fridays—but there is a need to think more inclusively and supportively. Here’s how:
Review Your Alcohol Policy
Ensure it’s clear, up to date, and balanced—offering support as well as boundaries.
Offer Inclusive Social Alternatives
Plan events that don’t revolve around alcohol. Consider morning wellbeing sessions, creative workshops, or outdoor activities.
Train Line Managers
Equip them to spot signs of alcohol misuse and open up non-judgmental conversations. A quiet check-in can go a long way.
Promote Available Support
Remind staff of your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health support, or where they can access confidential help.
Create a Visible Awareness Campaign
Use Alcohol Awareness Week to host a wellbeing lunch, share posters, or run a team survey. The more we talk, the less we judge.
Case Insight: Changing the Culture
One of our clients recently updated their policy and introduced non-alcoholic events alongside traditional ones. Within 3 months, they saw:
Increased participation from team members who previously avoided socials
Greater engagement with wellbeing initiatives
A boost in morale and trust among teams
Small changes, big ripple effects.
Linking Action to Leadership & CPD
Tackling alcohol at work is about more than compliance—it’s about conscious leadership. By proactively addressing this topic, you’re:
Fulfilling your duty of care
Strengthening inclusion
Contributing to your team’s long-term health and resilience
And yes—exploring these themes can contribute to your CPD, particularly in wellbeing, diversity and people management.
Let’s Make Alcohol Awareness Week Count
This week isn’t about guilt or finger-pointing. It’s about awareness, honesty, and support. And as leaders, you have the power to shape cultures that protect, uplift and respect everyone, whether they drink or not.
Need help reviewing your policies or launching an internal campaign? Pegasus Health works with conscious companies to create wellbeing-focused benefit strategies that support people top to bottom. We can support with:
EAP access
Mental health and alcohol awareness training
Bespoke wellbeing audits
Contact us today for a free review.