Alice's story: “Workplaces need to be part of the conversation on alcohol”

I’ve worked in the media and advertising industry for most of my career. And while it’s an exciting, creative industry, it comes with a very particular culture - one where drinking isn’t just common, it’s expected. After-work drinks, welcome drinks, leaving drinks, client drinks, Friday trolley drinks, it’s endless! Even some of the job perks are alcohol-related, sold as a benefit that offices have rooftop bars to visit after or even during work hours. In fact, in one office I worked in, the unspoken rule was: come in on Fridays, because that’s when the drinking starts early.

A few years ago, I started to really cut back. Circumstances in my personal life became challenging and drinking just made life harder. The hangovers weren’t worth it. The anxiety wasn’t worth it. The feeling of being completely disconnected from myself wasn’t worth it.

I began to see alcohol differently not just personally, but culturally. I saw the damage it had done to close people I cared about and the dark side of excessive drinking. I started to notice how easily we joke about getting drunk in the workplace, even when it’s clear someone might be struggling. I realised I didn’t want to be involved in it anymore.

But making that change wasn’t easy. Not because of my friends or my family, my support network has been incredible. The difficulty at times was my workplace. Comments were made, and jokes were thrown. I even got told in a performance review that I should make more effort to socialise in the pub as it would help me build relationships internally. As if that’s the only way to connect.

In the beginning, I avoided social events entirely. Sometimes I pretended to drink just to avoid the awkwardness. But over time, I found my voice. I stayed consistent and stood by my decision. And slowly, my confidence grew. I no longer feel the need to explain or defend my choice. I’ll order a non-alcoholic drink with pride. I’ll turn up, be present, and leave when it suits me not when the last round is called. It takes some time but sticking to your guns reaffirms your decision and after a while no one even notices.

I’ve realised that alcohol doesn’t make me more productive. It doesn’t make me more social. It doesn’t make me better at my job. If anything, it’s the opposite – oh the irony as to why it is so prevalent in the workplace!

I’m not alone. More people are questioning this culture. The rise of alcohol-free options, the shift in conversations around wellness, and more people speaking up gives me hope that things can change. But it won’t happen unless we talk about it honestly. Without shame or making up excuses on why we are not drinking. Without stigma. Workplaces need to be part of that conversation. Because people shouldn't feel like outsiders for choosing their health (including mental health).

If you’ve ever felt like the odd one out for not drinking at work you’re not alone, you’re not wrong. Start to suggest alternatives, instead of just ‘going for drinks’, you never know someone else could equally be feeling the same.