Construction is an industry that thrives on hard work, camaraderie, and pride in building communities. Traditionally, company events often include alcohol as a way to unwind and celebrate; however, as construction embraces a recovery-ready workplace culture, shifting away from alcohol-centric events can help support employee wellness and create spaces where everyone feels included.

This article explores why and how construction companies can rethink alcohol at gatherings, creating social, welcoming environments that enhance inclusivity without compromising on connection or fun.

Why De-emphasize Alcohol?

Rethinking alcohol-centered events can have wide-reaching benefits for construction companies:

• Supporting diverse employees: The construction workforce includes people from varied backgrounds and lifestyles. Alcohol-focused gatherings can inadvertently make some employees feel left out or pressured to drink.
• Promoting mental health and recovery: In an industry where some may face addiction, mental health challenges, or the effects of substance use, minimizing alcohol can create a supportive environment for everyone.
• Prioritizing safety on and off the job: Just as safety is crucial on the job site, it should extend to social events. A balanced approach with alcohol helps reinforce the company’s commitment to employee safety in all settings.
• Recognizing personal impact: For some employees, particularly those affected by alcohol issues in their families, an alcohol-heavy culture at work can add unnecessary stress and impact their wellbeing.

This shift isn’t about eliminating alcohol but rather offering choices that respect individual preferences and wellness. Here’s how to achieve a balanced approach.

Building Socially Inclusive, Alcohol-Optional Events

Consider these ideas to create events that focus on social connection over drinking:

Make Social Activities the Highlight

• Engage with fun themes: Consider activities that bring everyone together, like team trivia, friendly competitions, or bowling. These offer easy ways to connect.
• Offer interactive options: Games, karaoke, or art activities create fun focal points and naturally promote conversation without relying on alcohol.
• Focus on wellness: Events emphasizing physical health and emotional wellbeing, like a casual yoga or stretch session, make the gathering inclusive and health-centered. Other examples include community service projects involving beautification and/or roadside clean-ups projects.

Craft a Standout Non-Alcoholic Menu

• Mocktails and specialty drinks: Offering quality non-alcoholic options alongside alcoholic ones makes everyone feel included.
• Coffee and tea bars: An interactive coffee or tea station can be popular, especially with employees who prefer staying sharp.
• Focus on food as a main attraction: Delicious, varied food options can take the spotlight and offer a memorable shared experience.

 Arrange Safe Transportation

• Communicate expectations for safe driving.
• Sponsored rides: Providing Uber or Lyft rides ensures safe transportation for those who do drink, underscoring the company’s commitment to safety.
• Encourage designated drivers: For employees who prefer to drive, encourage and acknowledge designated drivers to promote responsibility.

Provide Hotel Accommodations

• Book hotel blocks for events: For large gatherings or events involving travel, book a nearby hotel. Overnight options reinforce safety and help everyone enjoy the event.
• Communicate accommodations: Ensure employees know ahead of time that accommodations are available, so they feel secure in their plans.

Addressing Alcohol Use in Your Company

Beyond event planning, acknowledging alcohol’s place in the construction industry can lead to positive change. Construction has one of the highest rates of substance use among major industries. Reducing alcohol-centric gatherings is a vital step toward building a culture that promotes a recovery-supportive workplace. Here’s how companies can tackle alcohol’s role directly:

Recognize Alcohol’s Role

• Encourage open conversations: Addressing the downsides of alcohol-centered events promotes transparency and reduces stigma, helping employees feel comfortable discussing these issues.
• Set guidelines: Guidelines for alcohol use at events help communicate that drinking is optional and that respect for personal choices is a priority. This can include setting a shorter time period for an open bar and/or shifting to a per capita ticket system for ordering beverages.
• Provide resources: List support programs for employees with alcohol-related concerns, creating a safe and confidential way to seek assistance. Make sure support resources, like an employee assistance program (EAP) and community-based 12-step and non-12-step recovery resources, are accessible for employees who may need them.

Eliminate Pressure to Drink

• Make non-alcoholic options the default: Ensure non-alcoholic drinks are available and encouraged, making all employees feel included, regardless of preference.
• Encourage responsible drinking: When alcohol is served, set clear boundaries, like scheduled times for serving drinks, to encourage responsible use.
• Foster a no-pressure environment: Avoid activities or events where employees feel they need to drink to participate, making it clear that everyone is welcome.

Benefits of a Socially Inclusive Event Culture in Construction

By de-emphasizing alcohol and centering events around connection, construction companies can reap long-term benefits:

• Stronger bonds: Events focused on social connection foster authentic relationships and camaraderie, boosting team morale.
• Increased safety and comfort: Employees feel safer and more comfortable when they aren’t pressured to drink, which promotes a respectful, enjoyable environment.
• Inclusive environment: An inclusive event culture appeals to diverse employees and builds a workplace that values all backgrounds and lifestyles.

Shifting from alcohol-centered gatherings to socially-focused events is a proactive step that reflects construction’s evolving, inclusive culture. These efforts support employee wellbeing, encourage true connection, and build trust within the workplace.

Prioritizing inclusivity, safety, and genuine connections at work events is a win for everyone involved, fostering a healthier industry culture.