Surprising trend emerges at office Christmas parties

A surprising trend has emerged as businesses celebrate the end of the year, prompting many Australians to rethink their choices.

The festive season is one of the most booze-fuelled times of the year, especially when the boss is footing the bill.

However, new DrinkWise data has revealed Australians are shifting away from alcohol during their work Christmas parties and instead opting for booze-free beverages.

Research has found that 62 per cent of Australians over the age of 25 feel more empowered to drink non-alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails and soft drinks, compared with a decade ago.

What’s more, a staggering 53 per cent of respondents said they were hoping to cut back their alcohol consumption during the festive season, especially at work Christmas functions.

There’s been a significant swing away from booze-fuelled Christmas parties. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

How to tell colleagues you’re not drinking

The thought of telling others they’re not drinking can be overwhelming for many, but as the number of Australians turning away from booze rises, the stigma begins to drop.

“We continue to see positive shifts in attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol, with parties and celebrations the main occasion where people alternate between full and lower or zero strength alcohol,” DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan said.

“This demonstrates a growing awareness of the benefits of more responsible drinking habits.”

Of course, some things are easier said than done, and with such a strong drinking culture in Australia, some people may be surprised by another turning down a cheeky beverage.

For Grey Area drinking coach Sarah Rusbatch, the key to stop people nagging you about your lack of alcohol is confidence.

“If someone presses you to drink, a polite, ‘I’m not drinking tonight’ is all you need,” she said.

It’s also a good idea to come armed to the party with a Rolodex of excuses for why you’re not keen to drink for those who can’t take “no” for an answer.

“Go in deciding what you’re going to say because people will be questioning why you’re not drinking,” Ms Rusbatch said.

“Decide who you’re going to be honest with, and who you’re going to tell a white lie to, because (this might be) the only right time to tell a white lie – to get people off your back, so they’re not trying to twist your arm and get you to drink.”

For those who may be apprehensive about going booze-free at their work Christmas party, Ms Rusbatch encouraged them to “shift (their) mindset”.

“Focus on what you’re gaining and not on what you’re missing,” she said.

It’s about “reframing” what the outcome could be, rather than assuming you’ll be a downer during the party. Consider how good you’ll feel when you wake up without a rotten hangover the next day.

The festive season is primed for alcohol consumption. Picture: NewsWire / Christian Gilles

However, it’s important to recognise not everyone wants to get drunk these holidays. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NewsWire

Bosses encouraged to bring booze-free choices

Over the last few years, the country has embraced non-alcoholic beverages with open arms, with 51 per cent of Australians consuming booze-free beverages, up from 35 per cent in 2021.

With a shift in culture occurring in front of our eyes, it’s time bosses take notice ahead of the work end-of-year parties.

“Businesses need to be mindful that if they are planning functions in which alcohol will be served, their workers expect that a range of lower-strength, zero and non-alcoholic options will be offered,” Mr Strahan said.

“Combined with other important hosting requirements, such as ensuring the availability of food whenever alcohol is served and ensuring that workers have safe transport options to get home, will help create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone.”

Businesses that failed to provide alcohol-free beverages were failing to adequately cater to everyone, Ms Rusbatch said.

“It astonishes me when I hear companies don’t have any non-alcoholic drinks available, and if they do, it’s water,” she said.

Those who don’t drink alcohol are spoiled for choice when it comes to booze-free alternatives, with the non-alcoholic beverage industry expected to grow 8 per cent annually.

According to ANZ data, non-alcoholic beer accounted for 45 per cent of total non-alcoholic beverage sales across Australia in 2023, making up 10 per cent of total beer sales.

With the trend of non-alcoholic beverages increasing, it’s time businesses put forward zero-booze options for those who want to avoid water, soft drinks and mocktails.

“Everything you could think of is available as a really good-quality alcohol-free option,” said Ms Rusbatch, including alcohol-free sprits, wine and beer. “And yet, so few companies have them available.”

Work Christmas celebrations should offer alcohol-free options for a more inclusive and fun party. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

Drinking anyway? Read this

For those who will have a drop or two at their end-of-year function, DrinkWise has offered helpful tips for keeping intoxication levels to a minimum:

• Have a drink of water before having an alcoholic drink

• Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

• Try drinks with a lower alcohol content

• Drink slowly

• Have something to eat while or before you have an alcoholic drink

• Set yourself limits and stick to them

• Dilute your alcoholic beverage by adding water or ice

• Plan ahead for a safe way to get home

“The message from DrinkWise this festive season is simple,” Mr Strahan said. “If you’re choosing to drink alcohol as part of your celebrations do so responsibly, look out for one another and enjoy the season safely and sensibly.”