The holiday season is a time of celebration, reflection, and togetherness, and today, we want to discuss how to plan a sober-inclusive business holiday event.
For businesses, it’s an opportunity to connect with employees, celebrate achievements, and show appreciation for hard work throughout the year. Traditionally, holiday events often center around alcohol, with cocktail parties or lavish dinners being the go-to for company festivities. But as workplace dynamics evolve, and as more employees opt for sobriety or reduce their alcohol intake, there’s a growing need for businesses to rethink how they plan and execute these events.
Planning a sober-inclusive business holiday event is not just a trend—it’s a reflection of a company’s commitment to inclusivity, respect, and employee well-being.
This blog post will dive into why a sober-inclusive holiday event matters for business owners, how it strengthens company culture, and the tangible benefits of creating an environment where every employee, regardless of their relationship with alcohol, feels valued.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
As a business owner or manager, the way you plan your holiday event sends a message about your company’s values and culture. When alcohol takes center stage at a corporate gathering, it may inadvertently exclude employees who choose not to drink, whether for reasons related to health, addiction recovery, personal preference, or religious beliefs. A sober-inclusive event demonstrates that the company is sensitive to the diverse needs of its employees and is committed to creating a supportive environment for all.
Here are the main reasons why planning a sober-inclusive holiday event matters:
1. Reflects Company Values and Culture
Business owners have the opportunity to demonstrate the core values of their company through their actions, and holiday events are no exception. The way a company chooses to celebrate the holidays speaks volumes about what is valued within the organization. A business that prioritizes inclusivity and respects its employees’ diverse lifestyles will be more likely to foster a culture of trust, belonging, and mutual respect.
By planning a holiday event that includes all employees, regardless of their relationship with alcohol, business owners are signaling that inclusivity is a priority. This gesture helps align the event with company values, making employees feel that the workplace is truly for everyone—whether they drink alcohol or not. It ensures that the holiday gathering is a celebration for all, rather than an experience that might unintentionally alienate some employees.
2. Shows Respect for All Employees
Every employee deserves to feel comfortable and respected in the workplace, especially during company-sponsored events.
While some people may enjoy socializing over cocktails, others may find the presence of alcohol uncomfortable or even triggering. This could be due to personal health concerns, sobriety from addiction, religious reasons, or simply a personal preference to avoid alcohol.
Laura Nelson says in the most recent podcast, “Those that are going to drink, will find ways to drink. And maybe they’ll go out after your event. And I’m not saying you don’t have to have an event with alcohol included but having a murder mystery party, a dress up party, a masquerade, trivial pursuit games, an eighties party.” This will show people that these event ideas are the center of what we’re doing and alcohol can be the sideline.
By offering a sober-inclusive holiday event, business owners are showing a level of respect for employees who do not partake in alcohol consumption. This thoughtful consideration creates a safe and welcoming environment, encouraging all employees to attend and participate fully without feeling excluded or pressured to drink. It reflects the company’s understanding of and sensitivity to the diversity of its workforce.
3. Encourages a Welcoming, Productive Environment
The holiday season can be stressful for many employees, and work events are supposed to be a chance to relax and unwind. When alcohol is heavily involved in an event, it can shift the focus away from relaxation and create a social atmosphere that might make some employees uncomfortable. This is especially true for people who don’t drink for health reasons, those in recovery, or individuals who prefer to socialize without the influence of alcohol.
Creating a sober-inclusive event allows employees to enjoy the event on their terms—whether that’s by engaging in meaningful conversations, participating in fun activities, or simply enjoying the event without feeling any pressure. This level of comfort fosters a more productive and enjoyable work environment. It helps employees connect on a deeper level, build stronger relationships, and return to work after the event feeling rejuvenated and motivated.
Why It Matters for Company Culture
Planning a sober-inclusive business holiday event is not just about avoiding alcohol—it’s about creating an atmosphere that supports all employees, regardless of their personal choices. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and loyal to the company. Here are the key benefits of a sober-inclusive holiday event for your company culture:
1. Promotes Inclusivity and Diversity
Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever. Employees come from different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, and this diversity can be a powerful driver of innovation and creativity. However, for diversity to thrive in the workplace, inclusivity is key. A sober-inclusive holiday event demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and respect for the personal choices and boundaries of employees.
This approach ensures that employees feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, beyond their work performance. For example, an employee who is sober due to addiction recovery will likely feel more comfortable attending a holiday event where alcohol is not the focal point. Similarly, employees who avoid alcohol for religious or health reasons will feel more included in the celebration. A sober-inclusive event makes space for everyone to participate without judgment, fostering a more connected, diverse, and inclusive company culture.
2. Strengthens Team Connection and Morale
Holiday events are a prime opportunity for businesses to strengthen team bonds and improve morale. But if the event is centered around drinking, the social dynamic can become exclusionary, leaving some employees feeling disconnected or uncomfortable. A sober-inclusive event levels the playing field, encouraging employees to connect through shared experiences that aren’t reliant on alcohol.
Margy Schaller says, “I haven’t drunk in 19 years, and I’ll normally go for the first hourish of any party and then I’m out because it’s not as much fun for me. But then the next day, I hear at lunch everybody just laughing uproariously about the things that they did later, and not all of them were drunken things but they just happened to be later and I get FOMO.”
When employees can interact without the influence of alcohol, they often form more genuine connections, which can translate into stronger workplace relationships and a more cohesive team. Whether it’s participating in team-building activities, sharing laughter over a holiday-themed game, or simply enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed setting, a sober-inclusive event encourages authentic interaction that boosts team morale and creates lasting connections.
3. Boosts Employee Engagement and Productivity
A well-planned holiday event can help employees recharge and feel appreciated for their hard work. When employees feel valued by their employer, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. By hosting a sober-inclusive event, business owners signal that they care about their employees’ well-being and are willing to create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their personal choices.
Employees who attend events that are mindful of their needs are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and appreciation, which can boost overall morale and productivity. They are more likely to come back to work feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle their tasks. A thoughtful, sober-inclusive event also reflects positively on the company’s reputation, reinforcing the idea that it is an employer who values the holistic well-being of its workforce.
How to Plan a Sober-Inclusive Business Holiday Event
Now that we’ve established why sober-inclusive holiday events matter for business owners and company culture, let’s explore some practical tips on how to plan an inclusive holiday event for your business.
1. Choose an Alcohol-Free Venue or Offer Alternatives
Consider hosting the event at a venue that does not revolve around alcohol, such as a bowling alley, a family-friendly restaurant, or a location with interactive activities like trivia games, escape rooms, or cooking classes. If your event is at a traditional venue, make sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic drink options, like mocktails, sparkling water, soda, or fresh juice. This gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a celebratory drink without the need for alcohol.
2. Focus on Fun, Engaging Activities
Rather than centering the event around drinking, plan activities that encourage team bonding and socialization. This could include games, team-building exercises, karaoke, or even a holiday gift exchange. Interactive activities help people connect in a way that is fun and engaging, without the need for alcohol to fuel the conversation.
3. Respect All Employee Preferences
Acknowledge that some employees may prefer to abstain from alcohol for personal or health reasons, and that others may drink socially but choose not to drink at company events. Make sure to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and supported. You could even consider gathering feedback from employees ahead of time to understand their preferences and expectations for the event. This will help you plan an experience that resonates with everyone and ensures no one feels left out.
4. Create a Welcoming, Relaxed Atmosphere
The holiday event should be a celebration that allows employees to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Avoid putting pressure on employees to drink or participate in activities that make them uncomfortable. By promoting a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, employees will feel more at ease and able to enjoy the event on their own terms.
5. Celebrate All Contributions
Make sure to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and achievements of your team throughout the year. This is an important part of creating a positive company culture and strengthening employee engagement. Whether you highlight milestones, awards, or general appreciation, ensure that every employee feels recognized for their contributions to the business.
Conclusion: The Future of Holiday Events
In today’s workplace, planning a sober-inclusive business holiday event is not only considerate, it’s also essential for fostering an inclusive, supportive, and healthy company culture. By offering an event that accommodates everyone—whether they drink alcohol or not—business owners can create a more engaged, connected, and productive team.
When employees feel valued, respected, and included, they are more likely to contribute positively to the company’s success. So, this holiday season, cheers to all—regardless of whether you’re toasting with champagne, a mocktail, or a refreshing soda. Creating a sober-inclusive environment helps ensure that everyone can participate, celebrate, and feel appreciated.
Don’t forget, we have an amazing community of support for our sober listeners who want more in-depth tools and resources to enhance their sober journey. To learn more and become part of the community, please visit us at https://soberliferocks.com!
Do you want to chat with us between episodes? Join us on Linkedin!
The post Episode 26: Cheers to All: Plan a Sober-Inclusive Business Holiday Event first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.
