Something for the weekend: As we begin to approach the warmer months, many organisations host summer parties or after work drinks in beer gardens. The Covid-19 pandemic sparked a change in staff social events, however, so financial firm Capital on Tap surveyed 2,000 UK employees to discover which type of gatherings employees genuinely do and do not enjoy.
It found that just over a fifth (23%) of respondents listed pubs, bars and parties among their least preferred types of work socials, while 20% said the same about events centred on drinks and mingling.
Furthermore, a third would attend more socials if alcohol was not the main focus. This is a sentiment held strongly among Generation Z employees, with only 10% saying pub-style events are their preferred way to socialise at work.
Smaller, more frequent gatherings such as coffee catch-ups or team lunches were found to be popular social gatherings (16%). Daytime events (15%) and family-friendly occasions (15%) also ranked highly, suggesting employees appreciate social events that fit around their working lives and personal commitments.
Traditional Christmas parties were the most preferred type of social gathering, with 32% selecting this as their favourite. Gen Z respondents said they enjoy Christmas parties (29%) and summer parties (19%), yet 11% would prefer these to be low or no-alcohol events.
Alex Miles, chief operating officer at Capital on Tap, said: “Our research shows that there is a strong appetite for inclusive, balanced activities such as daytime gatherings or family-friendly events. Employers could consider offering a mix of social formats, from smaller, low-pressure gatherings to virtual or interest-based events, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to them.”
Sounds like social events during the day, on a smaller scale and without alcohol, are more popular with staff these days!
