How Does Alcohol Consumption Impact Workplace Efficiency and Performance?

The Reality of Alcohol in the Workplace

Alcohol often plays a role in our social lives—but its impact doesn’t stop at the end of the night. Since we spend so much of our time at work, it’s important to understand how drinking—especially regular or excessive drinking—can affect productivity, performance, and workplace culture. This awareness benefits both employees and the organisations they work for.

How Alcohol Shows Up at Work

Alcohol can find its way into the workplace in subtle ways—after-work drinks, team socials, staff parties or away days. While these events can help colleagues bond, it’s important to be aware of the risks.

Many people feel that having a drink helps them unwind, but even low levels of alcohol can affect focus, memory, decision-making and how we perform at work the next day.

Cognitive Effects

Alcohol affects the brain and nervous system, which means even small amounts can slow down thinking and reduce mental sharpness. This can look like:

• Slower reaction times

• Difficulty concentrating or problem-solving

• Struggles with memory or decision-making

Even a modest blood alcohol level—below the legal driving limit—can affect how well someone performs at work the next day.

Physical Wellbeing

Over time, heavy drinking can lead to serious health issues, from liver disease to heart problems. In fact, alcohol is the leading cause of death, illness and disability in the UK for people aged 19–49.

When health suffers, so does work—missed days, lower productivity/ and difficulty keeping up with responsibilities all take a toll on both individuals and teams.

Workplace Culture

If drinking becomes a regular part of work culture—like frequent after-hours events or alcohol-based rewards—it can create a pressure to join in. This risks normalising excessive drinking and alienating those who choose not to drink.

Research shows that a third of use feel uncomfortable saying no to alcohol in work settings, which can lead to poor communication, damaged morale and even burnout.

Staff Turnover

A workplace that doesn’t address alcohol use can struggle with higher staff turnover. Some employees may leave due to health concerns, others because they feel the culture doesn’t suit them. Recruitment and training are expensive—so creating a culture that supports wellbeing makes good business sense.

What employers can do

Raise Awareness

Start by educating your workforce about the effects of alcohol. Interactive workshops, seminars or wellbeing campaigns can break down stigma and help people make informed choices.

Make sure your workplace policies clearly outline expectations around alcohol—clarity helps staff feel safe and supported and reduces the chance of misunderstandings.

Provide Inclusive Alternatives

At social events, offer appealing alcohol-free options and plan activities that don’t centre around drinking. Whether it’s a group walk, sports day, mocktail challenge or Dry January team campaign, there are plenty of ways to build connection without relying on alcohol.

Encouraging participation in Alcohol Awareness Week or offering anonymous screening tools can also help start important conversations. Incidentally the theme of this year's AAW is... work!

Creating a Healthier Workplace Culture

Alcohol might feel like a normal part of social life—but in the workplace, its impact can be far-reaching. From missed deadlines to damaged morale, drinking affects not just the individual, but the whole team.

By taking simple, thoughtful steps to shift your workplace culture, you can create a healthier, more productive environment—one where people feel supported, respected and able to thrive.

Reducing alcohol harm is one way of improving employee wellbeing

By addressing the ramifications of alcohol consumption, workplaces can nurture an atmosphere that supports both personal and professional development.