Young Aussies shun post-work drinks, sparking warning to employers

It's no secret that the Aussie hospitality industry is struggling in a post-COVID world, but they're facing a new threat that could push them even further to the brink. The youngest workers in the country aren't as interested in drinking alcohol as their older counterparts and that's sparked a warning to employers to change their tactics if they want colleagues socialising with each other.

The hospitality industry in Australia is facing a new challenge as the youngest workers in the country are showing less interest in drinking alcohol. This trend could have a significant impact on pubs, especially in CBD areas, as post-work drinks have been a common tradition for decades.

According to Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association CEO Wes Lambert, many hospitality venues are already struggling, and any further decrease in spending could push more businesses to close. A recent report from CreditorWatch indicates that one in every 11 hospitality businesses is expected to shut down permanently within the next 12 months.

"For many of the businesses that have unfortunately closed in 2024, they are saying that these are the worst conditions that they have ever seen, sometimes in a 30 or 40-year career," Lambert told Yahoo Finance.

"The owners of hospitality businesses around Australia are often mum and dad businesses... many are barely even making the minimum award rate. Some are working for free."

This lack of interest in post-work drinks is part of a larger shift in attitudes towards alcohol consumption, especially among younger generations. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that from 2007 to 2019, the number of people aged 14 to 17 who didn't drink increased from 39 per cent to 73 per cent.

For people aged 18 to 24, it rose from 13.1 per cent to 21 per cent. This trend is also being observed in Europe and the US.

A new report from Lancaster University think tank Work Foundation and the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking highlights this changing landscape and urges workplaces to adapt if they want to maintain staff socialising.

"Whilst 'after work drinks' have long been a staple of socialising and workplace culture, in recent years there has been a shift in attitudes towards the appropriateness of centring workplace social activities outside of working hours or around the consumption of alcohol," the report notes.

It provides some recommendations for employers to help adapt to the changing trends:

- Change the description of events from 'drinks' to 'socialising'

- Have socialising events at different times of the day instead of after work

- Provide non-alcoholic drinks to cater for everyone or pick a venue that has non-alcoholic drinks available

In response to a TikTok video questioning the appeal of post-work drinks with colleagues, employees shared their perspectives.

"The fun and humour has been completely sucked out of my team so as soon as we can leave we do," commented one Aussie worker.

"The f**k I want to spend my time drinking with people I only just barely tolerate," wrote another.

A third added: "My workplace does it, but I don’t participate. I’m out of there at knock off time everyday, pretending to like and socialising with a bunch of people I have only a professional relationship with isn’t my idea of a good time."

"Not really, corporate work has become incredibly sterile in the last decade. People are beyond boring these days, especially where I work, not even any friendly banter," said a fourth.

Some employees indicated that they would only participate if the drinks were on the company credit card or if they occurred a few hours before the end of the workday. Others mentioned that post-work drinks on a Friday conflicted with their weekend plans.

However, those who did enjoy having drinks with colleagues appreciated the opportunity to connect with them outside of work and build stronger relationships that ultimately improved the work environment.

Lambert suggested that companies consider organising team events during work hours if post-work drinks are no longer serving their purpose.

"Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas," he said. "We think those are as meaningful and certainly can create that work community equally as after-work drinks.

"If you can afford to meet the high cost-of-living times, go out and support your local restaurant, cafe, pub or club, we absolutely recommend it."

The Work Foundation's report also recommends socialising during work hours to ensure that employees with long commutes or caring responsibilities can participate.

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