The Debate of Work Happy Hours - Making Work Happy Hour Happy Again
Let’s admit it - everyone loves a good happy hour!
But what about WORK Happy Hours?
Work Happy Hours have become a common practice in many workplaces as a way to unwind, foster relationships, and build camaraderie among colleagues. Over the years it has drawn some debate as to what are acceptable Work Happy Hour conditions. Taking a step back in time - have you ever stopped to wonder how this tradition of mingling over drinks after work hours came to be?
The concept of Work Happy Hours dates back to the United States in the early 20th century when companies started to introduce designated social hours for employees to come together outside of office hours. Initially, these gatherings were aimed at building morale and boosting employee satisfaction. It was a great idea that took off very well!
But, we live in the 21st century now.
Over time, Work Happy Hours evolved to include not just drinks, but also food, games, team building and networking opportunities. Today, they are considered an integral part of a company culture, with many organizations organizing regular Work Happy Hours to promote team bonding and create a more positive work environment. However, you may have noticed many people are not so keen on participating in the Work Happy Hour anymore. How did that happen?
In this blog I want to unravel not only the benefits of work happy hours, but also what happens when Work Happy Hours go bad and offer practical advice for both employers and employees to make Work Happy Hours happy again. So grab a drink and read on!
In An Ideal World of Work Happy Hours
Like many ideas that started in this world, the idea of Work Happy Hours had some really good benefits laid out, for both employees and employers. It is supposed to be a win-win for all. In fact if you read a lot of articles today, they overwhelmingly support the idea of Work Happy Hours, as something that is very beneficial to employees,p and going as far as noting it as a ‘must - do’ for employers, if they want to have a good team and company. That is some serious social pressure.
Nevertheless, to undertsand the topic, let’s go over some benefits that in general Work Happy Hour can (and should) provide for employees:
Stress Relief: Work happy hour is a place to relax and unwind after a busy day or week at work. It can help reduce stress and boost morale.
Networking: These events provide a casual setting for employees to socialize and build relationships with their colleagues, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork - not to mention make contacts to potentially advance their careers.
Team Building: Spending time together outside of the office can help employees bond over shared experiences, hobbies, and interests, strengthening their connections and improving collaboration within the team. Work Happy Hours have started blending team building events
Recognition and Appreciation: Employers may use happy hours as a way to show appreciation for their employees' hard work and dedication, creating a positive work culture and boosting employee satisfaction.
Professional Development: Happy hours can also serve as a platform for informal mentoring, knowledge sharing, and skill-building opportunities among coworkers.
Sounds amazing. What about employers? Of course there are some potential benefits for employers:
Retention of Employees: Building a strong company culture through happy hours can help retain top talent and reduce turnover rates, as employees are more likely to stay in a workplace where they feel valued and connected.
Boosting Morale: Happy employees are generally more productive and satisfied, hence leading to a better work environment.
Teamwork and Communication: Happy hours can promote teamwork and communication among employees, managers and even owners of the company, leading to increased productivity and better communication in the workplace.
Creativity and Collaboration: Enhancing collaboration between employees and departments can lead to creativity and innovation boost within the organization.
Recruitment of Talent: A positive company culture that includes social activities like happy hours can help attract top talent and improve the employer brand, making the organization more appealing to potential hires.
Generally speaking, work happy hours can be a valuable tool for both employees and employers to enhance workplace relationships, boost morale, and create a more positive and engaging work environment.
If all of this is true, why are there so many employees dreading the Work Happy Hour?
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Getting To The Bottom Of It
Essentially, the purpose of Work Happy Hours is to make employers and employees feel good and provide benefits to both sides. So if Work Happy Hours cause unpleasant feelings or provide no benefit, one or both sides will feel like these are not events they want to participate in. The most common complaint is that Work Happy Hours interfere with the work-life balance of the individual, though that may not always be the primary reason. Times have changed, especially after the Covid19 pandemic, and creating a work-life balance is essential and generally. There are many ways Work Happy hours can go wrong.
Work Happy Hours Gone Wrong
There are many factors that can contribute to feeling that Work Happy Hours do not fit into their expectations. What are these factors?
To make it easy I will summarize some of the most common reasons for participation avoidance I have seen in my clients, their colleagues and even their managers:
Scheduling work happy hours outside of work hours without offering compensation.
I think this is the most common complaint I have heard. Employers expecting that once your 9 to 5 job ends you will spend another hour after work attending an event without compensation. There is usually a little bit of manipulation or persuasion involved, such as playing the the ‘family’ card or even forcing and giving employees an ultimatum that it will affect their future career, advancement or paycheck.
Scheduling work happy hours outside of work hours with offering compensation. You read that right.
In today’s world of endless commuting, traffic jams, running errands and fast pace of life, participating in something outside of working hours, even it is just an hour and will be paid, can be ardorous. Employees want to have a healthy work-life balance and sometimes going to the gym, meeting with non-work friends or spending time with family takes priority over making an extra buck.
Scheduling work happy hours during work hours when there is a deadline lingering.
If you need to use your 8h of work to do work and meet a deadline for a project, for example, then having one hour of a happy hour out of this can be very stressful. Especially if meeting the deadline has been emphasized and may result in employees having to do overtime later on.
Creating a work happy hour where employees pay for themselves.
Many employees feel it is unfair to promote camaraderie when the employer who offered a Work Happy Hour doesn’t cover the expenses of the event. Especially in today’s time where housing prices are escalating, rising inflation and increase of prices, many employees - especially those just starting off, need to keep track of their finances.
Innapropriate behaviour.
This includes excessive drinking leading to uncomfortable social events, drug consumption or even physical and verbal abuse. No one likes to experience a stressful social circumstance, wther it is involving other employees, managers, employers or even clients invited for the Work Happy Hour.
Gossiping or offensive comments.
When in a group setting outside of work, people may behave differently then in a work environment which may lead to gossip, petty talk and other offensive or intrusive
Another two reasons I want to underline may not be caused by external factors, but rather internal. People who are naturally introverted may not like socializing in a group setting and may need more time to get used to a new environment. Also, people who feel like they would rather spend time with family and friends, rather than colleagues may prioritize private time, despite the Work Happy Hour being executed perfectly.
Making Work Happy Hour Work
It is not too late to make Work Happy Hour work for everyone! If we focus on the benefits and keep a few other things in mind, this social event that started as a really good idea can be made into an event that will benefit everyone.
What we need to do is look at it from both perspectives - the perspective of employer and the perspective of employee. If you remember at the start of the article, both parties were to benefit from Work Happy Hours. Here are some suggestions that employers and employees can follow to ensure everyone has a good time and receives something good out of this.
Offering appropriate compensation, but keeping the event optional.
The bottom line among employees is that Work Happy Hours should be compensated. Though employers fear that compensating their employees would encourage people to look at Work Happy Hour as something like a paid overtime, the reality is that IF the event is optional, and not mandatory, then employees would feel free to choose whether they want to participate (and get compensated) or skip out without sanctions.
Choose appropriate time, venue and format.
Select a venue for work happy hour that is easily accessible to all employees, taking into account factors such as proximity to the workplace, public transportation options, and parking availability, but also the time of the event. Choosing weekends, odd times or making a Work Happy Hour that lasts for four hours is a big no-no. When choosing a format, think about whether your employees would like any team-building included or is just a drink (and maybe food?) Work Happy Hour enough.
Facilitate casual and friendly interactions.
Create an atmopshere ahere employers and employees are encouraged (but not forced) to mingle, engage in casual conversations, and get to know each other on a personal level during Work Happy Hour. Creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere can foster positive relationships and enhance team cohesion.
Respect boundaries and preferences.
While work happy hour is a social event, it's important to respect individuals' boundaries and personal preferences. Encourage employees to participate in activities that they feel comfortable with and avoid pressuring anyone to engage in activities they are not enthusiastic about.
Celebrate achievements and milestones.
Recognize and celebrate employees' achievements, milestones, and contributions during Work Happy Hour. Acknowledging hard work and dedication can boost morale, motivation, and team spirit. Also, it can give a valid reason for a get together.
Accept feedback and suggestions.
Encourage open communication and feedback from employees about their experiences and preferences during Work Happy Hour. Soliciting input can help tailor future events to better meet needs and interests. Listening is a valuable skill and considering other options, as well as thinking out of the box can lead to a wonderful Work Happy Hour idea.
“It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family.”
Where will Work Happy Hour Take Us?
While Work Happy Hours can be a valuable tool for fostering positive relationships, team building, and employee engagement within an organization, when things go south, one has to wonder, what will the future og Work Happy Hour be?
We need to realize that with changing times, societal norms, economy and popular opinion, Work Happy Hours like many other things need to change as well. By acknowledging the benefits, potential challenges, and strategies for improvement, employers can create inclusive, enjoyable, and meaningful work happy hours and employees can create a then a happy and harmonious atmosphere that will foster positivity and inclusivity.
If you need help in addressing your current Work Happy Hour issues or want to create a perfect one as an employer, at Ness Coaching, we learn about boundaries, incentives, and work-life balance in all of the Coaching Programs like The Game Changer: Unlocking Your Dream Career, Talk the Talk: Impressing With Your Words and Presence, It’s all About Balance:Mastering the Art of Work-Life Balance and Lead by Example: The Ultimate Leadership Coaching Program!
Additionally you can contact Coach Ness and inquire about personalized programs or even a group program for your team of managers. Ness Coaching is here for you! Don’t forget, your Discovery Session is free of charge!
Book a FREE Discovery Session now and start making positive impacts in your life today!