Episode 4: Inclusivity for Non-Drinkers at Events with Elizabeth Gration

This episode is all about Generation Z, or Gen Zed (or even Gen Zee, depending on how ‘street’ you are). At an upper age of around 26, this cohort are well and truly making their way into the UK’s workforce. They’ve grown up in a more protected environment than the likes of myself, Gen X, who spent my teenage years downing pints, keeping up with the boys and generally making a nuisance of myself at any opportunity. This has had a profound impact on their attitude towards alcohol.

Clearly, I’m taking in very general terms here, and there is as much diversity amongst this population as there are people in it. One trend that is clear, though, is that risky behaviours such as binge drinking, unprotected sex, drug taking, and dangerous driving are all on the decrease. I’d be fascinated to understand if one is a catalyst for the others. In my experience, removing the alcohol tends to remove the risk of some of these other behaviours occurring, too. I’m sure we can all relate!

I learned so much from interviewing a Gen Zed guest this week, Elizabeth Gration, Senior Content Marketing Executive at MacNaught Digital. Elizabeth also writes for Micro Biz Mag, which is where I first came across her excellent article on the importance of inclusivity for non-drinkers at events.

I was genuinely surprised, and delighted, to hear about Elizabeth’s work to support people who arrive at University with no experience of drinking alcohol. What a brilliant initiative that not only keeps these people safe, but promotes a real sense of belonging for them. Elizabeth gives us some delightful insights into best practice when it comes to promoting inclusivity at events, from Universities right through to conferences and workplace settings. It’s truly heart-warming to hear how times are changing and how progressive organisations are putting in the small amount of effort needed to make a huge leap forwards in this space.

With Gen Zed pouring out of Universities and into the workforce, employers who understand this cultural shift and are ready to accommodate the sober curious in their workplace will attract the best of this talent. Believe me, productivity levels and absence rates from non-drinkers are very desirable attributes in a new recruit, in stark relief to the hangovers I used to cover up at work in my 20’s.

The world is changing – are you ready?

Do you have a different view? Or would you like to share how your workplace is supporting the sober curious? I’d love to air your views on the Podcast, so head to https://choosesunrise.co.uk/podcasts and complete the Be My Guest form.

If you’d like to find out more about Elizabeth’s work, you can connect on linked in, or check out some of her great work here. 

If you’d like free HR resources to help you create an alcohol safe workplace, without killing the buzz, head to https://choosesunrise.co.uk/hr-servicesand sign up for free resources.

Let’s end the stigma, because nobody should feel afraid to ask for help with alcohol use.