Sue Gray report: is it ever appropriate to consume alcohol at work? - Ethics and principles - Our Profession

13 Sue Gray report: is it ever appropriate to consume alcohol at work?

Community Manager

1 Feb, 2022 11:24

Those of us who are UK based can't help but have noticed that the initial findings from Sue Gray's inquiry into lockdown socialising in No.10 and other Govt buildings have finally been published.

The BBC report some highlights here:

Sue Gray party report: What are the findings?

Sue Gray points to "failures of leadership and judgement" and excessive drinking at work against the backdrop of the pandemic.

She goes on to suggest that the "excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time" and that every government department should have a "clear and robust policy in place covering the consumption of alcohol"

I guess the key word here is "excessive".

What do you think?

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Peter Stanway | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 11:55

I think you are right Steve.
Excessive is difficult to define but I am sure she chose her words carefully.
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David Perry | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 12:45

Drinking and driving isn't acceptable. I would have thought drinking and running a country isn't acceptable either.
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Robey | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 14:51

My first instinct was that it's never appropriate to consume any alcohol at work (I still roll my eyes at those US dramas in which the boss always seems to have a whiskey decanter and hands out the single malt after hours - do none of these people drive home??).

I suppose I would concede that a work-sponsored social event is technically work for liability purposes (albeit often uncompensated time) and that it may be appropriate to drink at these (even when held in the office).

In my youth in the Officer's Mess (where post-prandial rooms were available on site) I certainly tied one on a few times. But with the 20/20 wisdom of hindsight, I think I would be far more inclined to stick to mineral water, 0% beers and mocktails. If one absolutely *must* consume alcohol to excess then the only reasonable place to do it is in the comfort of your own home, in the company of people who already love you unconditionally.
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David | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 15:23

In reply to Robey:
In my own youth, I got promoted into a position / office accommodation that came with a comprehensively-stocked booze cabinet but rarely if ever used it. Officially, bringing any alcohol onto the premises let alone drinking it wasn't allowed, but that didn't prevent 'the management' from getting plenty in themselves for special occasions, such as for serving at the annual staff Christmas lunches. Last working day before Christmas too was traditionally always impromptu (and have to say most enjoyable) office partying day throughout, when copious quantities of alcohol and 'nibbles' were brought in and consumed but only ever then.

Times / attitudes have indeed changed since then, but that's an example of the legacy of alcohol in traditional workplaces and don't recall any particular problems that arose from it - but it wasn't IMHO even then particularly 'excessive'.
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Jacqueline | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 16:09

We (in pre pandemic times) hold staff parties twice a year and in 2019 had a real issues with alcohol fuelled gossip and rumour spreading and a subsequent grievance. I already had concerns about the free bar we operated on such occasions and when we had our first post pandemic social last October, we issued drinks tickets and everyone had two drinks tickets and that was it. I'm aware a significant number of people went to the pub first, and one lady turned up with a litre bottle of lager she was already swigging from but I can't and won't police what people off site and in their own time! :-D I did feel a lot more comfortable that we were not pressing alcohol on people and the party seemed to be just as much enjoyed as the ones where alcohol was freely flowing.
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Peter Stanway | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 16:11

In reply to David:
Context is everything
if you are a beer sales rep, you might be expected to be sociable
I dare say that you can remember the days when Industrial Relations means beer and sandwiches with the union.
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Peter Stanway | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 16:12

In reply to Robey:
Sort of agree. Pubs are still a legitimate place for a pint or three
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David | 0 Posts

1 Feb, 2022 17:39

In reply to Peter Stanway:
Blastfurnacemen notably Peter - they habitually consumed immense quantities of beer - first six pints or so were a mere aperitif / minor rehydration to most of them!
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Peter Stanway | 0 Posts

2 Feb, 2022 08:05

In reply to David:
In my first job in a brewery I think the most important contribution to IR was making sure the crates of beer were in the right place for the adjournments.
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Alys Martin | 0 Posts

2 Feb, 2022 11:49

I think you're right that it's the word 'excessive' but also 'culture': it's not a one off ill advised Christmas party that went awry but this was an environment that was nurtured and celebrated. I also understand in the report that there were people who felt uncomfortable speaking out against it too; the unpleasant side of a toxic culture.

I don't believe in being overly censorious - what works in one workplace is clearly glaringly inappropriate in another but it needs to be managed carefully. I work in a shared office space where we have beer and prosecco taps and stopping for a 4.30pm Friday drink with the team is great for us. It's probably because there is a clear understanding that that is solely when it is appropriate and if there were abuses of this it would be dealt with quickly.
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June Nga Yan | 0 Posts

3 Feb, 2022 17:57

In reply to Peter Stanway:
Agree. 'Excessive' is the more carefully and sensitive word in term of the regulated binding in the government department. In fact, we expect more. A more responsible detail proposal is required based on the full investigation report for further remedy and correction action.
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David Perry | 0 Posts

4 Feb, 2022 17:08

In reply to Alys Martin:
In 1970 the Royal Navy did away with the centuries old tradition of issuing a rum ration to all sailors at lunch time. This was just when the RN was becoming increasingly reliant on technology, guided weapons and other weapons. The 1st Sea Lord who instigated the ban rightly stated; "It was a tradition no longer compatible with the demands of the modern navy."

I'm sure most people don't want people in charge of sophisticated and dangerous weapons, whilst under the influence of alcohol.

I certainly don't want the occupants of Whitehall to be making potentially life changing decisions which effect me whilst under the influence of drink either. Its against the law to drive a car whilst under the influence - why should it be OK to run the country after you've had a few?
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Alys Martin | 0 Posts

7 Feb, 2022 09:40

In reply to David Perry:
Oh, it's absolutely not and that's partly my point - there are clearly some workplaces where this is even more inappropriate than others. If you're running a wine import business, I can understand alcohol being part of the day. If you're making decisions that affect millions of people, then I can't. Even with the people who work in industries which do involve alcohol, I certainly wouldn't expect people to be drinking irresponsibly. As mentioned above, it's all about context.
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