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I drink. I like Friday beers. I absolutely stamp down on any of my team who attempt to pressure others to drink or ostracise others in the company for not drink

I drink. I like Friday beers. I absolutely stamp down on any of my team who attempt to pressure others to drink or ostracise others in the company for not drinking. Friday beers is meant to help colleagues bond, so behavior that excludes some people or makes them want to leave isn't OK. Luckily the companies I've worked at have all been non-drinker friendly as well as drinker friendly. There's always a non-alcoholic option and they've usually tried to make sure people knock off a little early so that anyone with kids etc can join in before they have to leave.

bunderbunder 9y ago
Friday beers is something that can exclude people, though, even if they're not being pressured to drink. Alcohol is a sort of culturally fraught thing that's important to some people, but for others - members of some religious groups, recovering alcoholics, and victims of drinking-related abuse come to mind - simply being in the presence of someone who's consuming alcohol can be an uncomfortable experience. I don't think that companies are under any obligation to avoid having traditions like Friday beers altogether, but, if you're looking to be inclusive, you should probably strive to ensure that there are also plenty of social activities where there is no alcohol present.
- moogie 9y ago
  If you want to think like that, so do morning coffees, someone eating chicken for lunch and someone on a diet! Seriously, some adult thinking needs to be in place. I know several people with alcohol problems, devout Muslims and an abuse victim. Here's a hint, other people drinking isn't a problem for them. That's a part of life and they're mature enough to accept it. Sounds like the person you're replying to has plenty of inclusiveness, no reason to stop everyone elses enjoyment for the sake of the possibility that someone's not matured enough to accept it.

bunderbunder 9y ago

Friday beers is something that can exclude people, though, even if they're not being pressured to drink. Alcohol is a sort of culturally fraught thing that's important to some people, but for others - members of some religious groups, recovering alcoholics, and victims of drinking-related abuse come to mind - simply being in the presence of someone who's consuming alcohol can be an uncomfortable experience. I don't think that companies are under any obligation to avoid having traditions like Friday beers altogether, but, if you're looking to be inclusive, you should probably strive to ensure that there are also plenty of social activities where there is no alcohol present.

moogie 9y ago
If you want to think like that, so do morning coffees, someone eating chicken for lunch and someone on a diet! Seriously, some adult thinking needs to be in place. I know several people with alcohol problems, devout Muslims and an abuse victim. Here's a hint, other people drinking isn't a problem for them. That's a part of life and they're mature enough to accept it. Sounds like the person you're replying to has plenty of inclusiveness, no reason to stop everyone elses enjoyment for the sake of the possibility that someone's not matured enough to accept it.