Friday drinks falling out of favour with workers

There has been a shift in attitudes towards alcohol-based social events at work, and more demand for personalised and meaningful ways to connect with colleagues, research has said.

Workspace provider, Hub Australia’s Love Where You Work 2025 report revealed that social events that surround alcohol at work, like “Friday drinks”, are losing favour with workers.

Based on its findings, regular engagement with events involving alcohol in workplaces is low – with only 3 per cent of respondents saying they joined colleagues in end-of-week drinks every week, and one in five (21 per cent) saying they never do.

It also found that nearly one in four (22 per cent) respondents are seeking alcohol-free work events – its data revealed shifting attitudes towards alcohol in younger generations, and along with a work culture shift driven by hybrid work.

Additionally, 87 per cent of employees reported that they socialise more with friends and family than with their own colleagues – the provider attributed this to several factors, including post-pandemic habits and generational shifts.

Hub Australia founder and chief executive Brad Krauskopf said: “Employees want experiences that feel authentic, inclusive and respectful of their lives outside of work.”

According to its research, half (50 per cent) of employees said they preferred experiences that are activity-based over alcohol-based to connect with their colleagues – these respondents preferred activities such as bowling, cooking, or painting.

Further, these employees who were looking for more meaningful and personalised ways to connect with their colleagues also wanted to make an impact during workplace activities – one in three (30 per cent) of respondents showed interest in charity or “give-back” activities.

“The data tells us that connection at work is still important – it just looks different now,” Krauskopf said.

“We’ve moved past the idea that culture is built around a bar tab. Employees want experiences that feel authentic, inclusive and respectful of their lives outside of work.”

“Businesses that fail to evolve their approach risk disengagement and a weaker sense of community.”