Alright. I’m at a point in my day where people like me promise themselves that they won’t ever drink that much ever again, but seeing as how I’m still in my 20′s, this feeling will likely clear as soon as nightfall.
What was the occasion for drinking, Nico? you ask.
I’d answer, a long overdue company outing in downtown LA. I’m not really going to talk about my job here on this blog, but a night out with my agency did teach me something I’m surprised I hadn’t known previously.
Most, if not all, professionals in my age group (heretofore referred as Generation Y) are a part of some kind of drinking culture, and I say “some kind” being fully aware that different drinking cultures exist even among one age demographic. Moreover, socializing over drinks is a character trait of many a previous generation — I’m not saying that social drinking makes Generation Y unique. What I am saying is that social drinking, from what I’ve experienced in being part of Gen Y, is increasingly becoming important for morale like I’ve not seen it before.
If you remember how various sources characterize Generation Y, you’ll recall that they call us “peer oriented.” If that means that interaction with others is important enough to influence our respective individual sentiments, it means that in the professional sphere, a high level of communication is a key factor.
Okay, so that last sentence sounds like corporate gibberish, but that doesn’t make it any less true. And if that is indeed true, then consider the social lubricant that is alcohol.
My simple conclusion from this simple ramble:
If you have a workforce with a large segment from my generation, and a morale that’s been hit by this damned recession, you might want to take a cue from my bosses.
Go out drinking with your employees. It’s good for morale, and thus, good for your company.
And who knows? Maybe knocking back a few might grease up the brainstorm gears.
It’s always nice to have a pint
I know that alcohol really helps with grad school social events as well.
My only hesitation is that my dad’s old company had to eventually stop allowing alcohol at the Christmas party, because there was always some kind of big drama every year. Think of Elaine doing her dance, except more like someone kissing someone else’s husband. It was bad. Some people really can’t hold their alcohol.
Amen to that. Because I work in a very independent-oriented field (as in I interact a lot with my colleagues but very little with my boss), communication is for support purposes. And frequently, for us, that consists of food and coffee. It works nicely for us.
Hanging out, loosening up a little and laughing is a good thing plus it gives everyone something to smile about the next day at work.
xo/evie
…….I too enjoy alcohol.
I definitely like going out for a drink or two with my current coworkers & boss. I’m just waiting for my boss to pop out her baby so she can really join us — from what I hear she’ll match us drink for drink. :)
This depends very much on the age differences. I DO NOT want to go out boozing with my boss, or a colleague if they are 20-30 years older than me. I really don’t care about the kids, really. Not unless they’re my age. And single. And attractive.
I’d definitely go out for drinks, with any people in any age. Ha. But for sure it’ll be different with drinking with friends. Keep the behavior good and don’t get drunk and embarrass self :D
I wish I didnt work with a bunch of old geezers (sp?).
geazers?
Whatever. You know what I am saying. They are all far too old and conservative to ever embrace the magical powers of happy hour.
Any outing outside the workplace is a nice idea. My boss takes us all out to lunch sometimes on our birthdays, etc. and we bond over food.
So, I don’t drink. Does this mean that I’ll never be part of corporate culture?
……
Dang.
And what about those poor Mormons?
hey i found your blog from 20sb.
i’ve had a few bosses “tag along” when the co-workers go out and its never been fun. lol