Pressure to drink at work events harms workplace productivity, according to new research

October 2025

Pressure to drink at work events harms workplace productivity, according to new research: According to new research, the pressure on employees to drink at workplace events is having a major impact on absenteeism and productivity, with many admitting they have called in sick or come to work hungover following a work-based event.

The survey conducted by Public First for the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) polled a nationally representative sample of 2,083 working adults from across the UK between the 25 and 28, 2025. One of its key objectives was to explore how alcohol consumption can negatively impact productivity in the workplace.

Of those surveyed, nearly a third (31%) admit they have called in sick after attending a workplace event in the last year, while nearly a quarter (22%) said they had come to work hungover, leading to what the report terms presenteeism – where people are at work, but their capacity is reduced. The issue of absenteeism is particularly notable amongst 18–24-year-olds, with over four in ten (43%) admitting to calling in sick after a work event. 

The IPPR references a previous study by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS 2025), which estimated that nearly half (44%) of the £5.06 billion in alcohol-related costs to the UK economy was due to presenteeism, clearly demonstrating the negative impact alcohol consumption has on workplace productivity.

The research further highlights how workplace culture, the desire to fit in and a perceived opportunity for career advancement can pressurise staff into drinking more. Among those surveyed nearly a quarter (24%) report feeling pressured to drink even if they did not want to, while the same number (24%) believe that drinking with more senior colleagues will enhance their chances of career advancement. This is particularly true amongst senior executives where over half (53%) believe this is the case.

The report recommends that addressing alcohol harm must be prioritised as part of the government’s strategy to enhance UK economic growth and productivity.