Drinking alcohol, regularly or in large amounts, can take a toll on how well we function at work, both mentally and physically. Even if you're not drinking during working hours, the effects of alcohol can still impact the next day.
The link between alcohol and concentration
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain’s function. Even small amounts can affect your ability to think clearly, solve problems, and stay focused.
Tiredness, irritability, and low mood can linger into the next day if you've had a few drinks the night before.
Sleep disruption from alcohol can reduce the quality of your rest, meaning you’re less sharp the next morning, even if you don’t have a hangover.
In some industries, particularly those involving manual labour, driving, or heavy machinery, reduced coordination and slower reaction times can pose serious safety risks. And for those in office-based jobs, alcohol-related presenteeism can be harder to spot but just as damaging in the long run if people are underperforming at work because of their drinking.1
Workplace drinking culture
Our research from 2022 showed that alcohol still plays a significant role in many workplace cultures, particularly in the private sector.2 Compared with the public sector, private sector employees are more likely to:
- Feel an expectation to drink at work events
- Be offered alcohol at social functions
- Report that alcohol is consumed in the workplace
- Feel pressure from managers or senior colleagues to drink
That pressure, whether overt or subtle, can be difficult to navigate. From being urged to stay for "just one more," to being teased for not drinking, workplace peer pressure can lead people to drink more than they’re comfortable with.
And for those who choose not to drink, for any reason, these cultures can feel isolating or exclusive. In fact, nearly one in three people have skipped an employer-organised event because they didn’t feel comfortable with the expectation to drink.3
Creating a more inclusive workplace means recognising that not everyone wants to (or can) drink, and ensuring social activities are built around shared experiences, not just alcohol.
Work-life balance and stress
Many people drink alcohol to help cope with work-related stress. For those working in demanding roles a glass of wine or a few beers after work can feel like a reward or a way to decompress. But as alcohol is a depressant, it interferes with how our brain manages stress, mood, and sleep. This might actually make you feel worse over time, rather than better.
It’s also easy for drinking to become a regular pattern if it’s how you ‘switch off’ after work. This can make it harder to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially if alcohol starts creep into your evenings, weekends, relationships, or time for hobbies and rest.
If you notice that you’re using alcohol as your main way to manage work stress or unwind, it might be worth taking a moment to reflect on your drinking habits.
Finding ways to unwind
If alcohol has become a way to deal with a long day at work or you feel it may be affecting your productivity, there are a number of other ways you can decompress. Why not try:
- Going for a walk or doing some light exercise to relieve tension
- Put on your favourite uplifting songs or some soothing music for an alcohol-free way to help you unwind
- Try an alcohol-free version of your usual or favourite drink
- A warm bath or a massage can help you relax and relieve stress
- Catching up with a friend without alcohol like a coffee date or going to the cinema
- Practising mindfulness or journalling to process your day
Cutting back, even a little, can lead to more energy, better sleep, and improved mood. You might also find that you’re better able to cope with stress and perform your best at work.