Alcohol has historically had a place in workplace culture, whether that’s entertaining clients or socialising within the team, and this is especially the case during summertime.

Many employees feel pressured to consume alcohol at work events, with the pressure to ‘fit in’ and build a rapport with their bosses and peers often the main drivers of the issue. According to Drink Aware, a third of people have avoided work social events in the past through the expectation to drink alcohol.

To tackle this issue and increase inclusivity, businesses can take the focus away from drinking this summer and put the spotlight back onto the event itself, enabling employees to connect and build relationships within the team – without alcohol.

Here are some alcohol-free ideas for work socials as we approach the summer season.

1. Gamified socials

Whether it’s an escape room experience to test the team’s out-of-the-box thinking, or something fun like go-karting or gaming consoles, these gamified socials can help with team building, and ignite the competitive spirit.

These more energetic socials are perfect by nature, since they make alcohol consumption impractical and instead replace the need for something feel-good with a hit of endorphins.

2. Outdoor activities

Getting out in the fresh air can be great for morale, team-building and wellbeing, so consider activities such as treasure hunts, geo caching or alpaca trekking. Moving away from typical workplace environments can be really beneficial for teams and enables you to do something a bit different from a typical work social.

However, it’s important to make sure that any outdoor activity is suitable for everyone in the team and any accessibility requirements are considered beforehand.

3. Sharing interests and skills

Activities of joined interests provide an opportunity for everyone to participate and feel comfortable, regardless of their personal preferences or circumstances.

Engaging in shared hobbies, such as baking, pottery, painting or crafts not only promotes a sense of camaraderie and connection among colleagues but also ensures that everyone can fully participate and enjoy themselves. It’s a fantastic way to create an inclusive space where individuals can bond, have fun, and showcase their unique talents and abilities.

4. Volunteering

Volunteering represents a very different type of workplace social; enabling team members to give something back whilst exploring their own interests, whether alone or in small groups.

This activity can get people into the great outdoors, encourage interaction and truly give something back. Enquire about community tidy ups and food runs for the more vulnerable.

All of these options are designed to facilitate the feel-good factor; an important component of looking after everyone’s mental wellbeing at work!

5. Storytelling and problem sharing

This is one that shouldn’t be underestimated: inviting everyone to speak in turn about a given topic or discussing their successes and key learnings from the year can be a real conversation starter. It can also change colleagues’ perceptions of one another for the better. What’s missing in so many video calls during the working day is that deeper level of interaction, which we can take for granted in a face-to-face scenario. In creating the space and time to reflect on each other’s accounts of their daily lives, you can re-introduce the vital component of meaningful communication between your team.

www.benenden.co.uk/healthcare-for-business/