Leeds City Council’s Public Health Drugs and Alcohol Team speaks to Leeds Mindful Employer Network about helping employees navigate the holiday drinking culture this festive season.
For many, the festive season is a time to unwind and a chance to celebrate the year. The office Christmas party is often a feature, with glittery outfits, Secret Santa and sharing good food. Many people look forward to it as a chance to connect with their colleagues away from the pressures of the office.
Alcohol has been woven into workplace festive celebrations for many years. For some, it is seen as a way to relax, chat more freely and perhaps try a new dance move. But for others, this can be a source of anxiety, especially around the expectations of alcohol use.
With many workplaces becoming more diverse and wellbeing-focused, now is a good time to look at how office parties can be made inclusive so that everyone can have a great time. We look at how our choice of celebration can either bring people together or unintentionally push people away.
A quick look at the facts:
Leeds has higher alcohol-related hospital admissions when compared to the England average:
- 680 per 100,000 compared with 570 nationally.
- Alcohol-related deaths are also higher:
- 51.9 per 100,000 vs 46.2 for England.
In England:
- 24% of adults drink above the recommended 14 units per week.
- In 2023–24, there were:
- 339,916 alcohol-specific hospital admissions
- Over 1 million alcohol-related admissions
- 8,274 alcohol-specific deaths — the highest on record
These numbers highlight why being mindful about alcohol use is increasingly important, both at home and at work.
Not everyone drinks
There are many different reasons why people might choose not to drink alcohol on a night out and it might be surprising to learn how many people actually make up that group. Some might avoid it for religious reasons, others for health reasons such as pregnancy or taking certain medications. Other people might be training for a sporting event, some might not like the effects of alcohol, others might be cutting back to improve their overall health. It might even be something as simple as needing to drive home or having caring responsibilities.
When drinking alcohol is the main activity of an event, it can lead to those groups feeling excluded. They might feel like they need to explain themselves or feel judged for not joining in the fun like everyone else.
Alcohol can blur boundaries
Most people can think of at least one instance where they (or a colleague) drank too much and said or did something at a work event that they wish they could take back. Lowered inhibitions due to alcohol can make people feel livelier but can also result in behaviour that crosses professional boundaries.
Complaints to HR tend to spike in the days after the Christmas party. Rethinking the role of alcohol doesn’t mean eliminating fun but it can reduce the likelihood of someone’s evening of celebration turning into conflict in the office.
A note about gifting alcohol
- Triggers for those in recovery
People recovering from alcohol dependence or substance use may find receiving alcohol triggering, which can lead to relapse. - Mental health impact
Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Gifting it may unintentionally encourage harmful coping mechanisms. - Cultural and personal sensitivities
Some individuals avoid alcohol for religious, cultural, or health reasons. Gifting it can feel exclusionary or disrespectful. - Workplace and professional boundaries
In professional settings, gifting alcohol can blur boundaries and create ethical concerns, especially in health-related roles.
Activities lead to better socialising
Offering a free prosecco when guests arrive can help break the ice, but if everyone gathers around the bar, it often creates small clusters instead of encouraging mingling.
Including fun activities at the event gives people something to talk about, this might help introverts and new starters to feel more comfortable joining in.
Setting a positive tone
Choosing an inclusive and thoughtful format for the Christmas party sends a positive message to employees. When alcohol becomes optional rather than central, it reduces pressure for those who don’t drink making the event more meaningful for everyone.
Examples of more inclusive events:
- Activity based parties such as bowling, mini-golf or escape rooms
- Festive workshops such as wreath making or gingerbread challenges
- Live entertainment such as comedians or magicians
- Having a range of alcohol-free options at the bar
Festive Fun Without Alcohol: How Leeds Mind Embraces Diversity.
“Here at Leeds Mind, we know only too well about the adverse impacts of alcohol on mental health. Increasingly, many people are choosing not to drink alcohol to enhance their health and wellbeing. Additionally, we live in a richly diverse city, where many people choose not to drink for religious reasons. With a focus on inclusion and diversity, we decided to go alcohol-free for our festive celebrations three years ago.
Since then, we have celebrated the season in a range of ways, including our very own Leeds Mind Taskmaster, mindful craft activities, hot chocolate stations and some scrummy sweet treats from all over the world offered by our Culturally Diverse Voices Group!
Leeds Mind staff at an alcohol free celebration event
This year we are excited to enjoy a festive film at Hyde Park Picture House, fully embracing the seasonal spirit.
Our staff have told us how much they appreciate these events, as they offer the chance to unwind and build relationships – without the aftereffects of alcohol the following day.’’
– Eloise Bell, Director of People, Culture and Governance, Leeds Mind.
Rethinking the drink doesn’t mean cancelling the fun
This is not a call for a dry office party. Alcohol can definitely remain part of the celebration for those who enjoy it, but when it is simply one option among many instead of the foundation of the event, everyone benefits.
Creating a truly inclusive event can lift spirits, foster bonds and leave employees feeling valued. Exactly what the festive season is all about!
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To explore the topic of alcohol and workplaces further, the Leeds Mindful Employer Network and Leeds City Council have created a survey on Workplace Alcohol Culture for employers in the city. Your input is vital—please take a moment to complete it and share your perspective. |
