The Pivot from Alcohol to Activities - and the Benefits!
Team building has come a long way from the traditional happy hours and after-work drinks. With shifting workplace dynamics and growing emphasis on health and inclusivity, companies are reimagining what it means to build camaraderie and boost morale among teams. The old formula of alcohol-fueled social events is making way for more engaging, creative, and impactful activities that encourage collaboration without the need for a drink in hand.
In this blog, we explore the latest team-building trends and how companies can offer unforgettable experiences that are in tune with current lifestyle preferences. Let’s take a deep dive into the pivot from alcohol to activities, and why it’s the right move for your team.
Big Smoke Events can help make your next corporate event one to remember. So if you need help planning your next team event anywhere in the UK, get in touch for a custom plan.
Team Building Market Trends and the Move Away from Alcohol
The shift away from alcohol-centric team-building events is not just a passing fad; it’s a cultural transformation. 21% of office parties have been reported to now be alcohol free. As businesses respond to employee preferences and evolving workplace trends, the demand for healthier, more engaging experiences is growing. Here's why alcohol is no longer the go-to for team-building events:
The Rise of Health & Wellness Focus
As companies place a greater emphasis on employee wellness and mental health, the need for alcohol-free events has become clear. Employees, especially those in the 18-24 age group, are actively prioritizing healthier lifestyles. It is predicted that as many as 28% of Gen-Z do not drink. Many workers are seeking healthier alternatives that promote mental clarity, physical activity, and social connection without the negative effects of alcohol.
2. Hybrid and Remote Work Trends
The rise of hybrid and remote work has also played a role in shifting the way we connect as teams. With fewer in-person office interactions, the traditional after-work drink has become less frequent, and employees are craving more interactive and engaging activities that help build relationships. Companies are turning to virtual and hybrid team-building activities, offering inclusive options for teams that may not be in the same physical space but still want to foster connection.
3. Increased Inclusivity and Diversity
The focus on inclusivity has made alcohol-free team-building events more appealing. Not everyone drinks, and it’s important to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable. By offering non-alcoholic events, businesses ensure that all employees—regardless of culture, personal choice, or health considerations—can participate and enjoy the experience. This inclusivity is essential for promoting a positive workplace culture.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Not only are alcohol-free events more inclusive, but they are also more budget-friendly. Traditional drinks packages for corporate events can quickly add up. In contrast, team-building activities like scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, and global bingo challenges start from as low as £20 per person, making them more affordable and allowing companies to invest in more creative and memorable experiences for their teams.
what activities are better than booze?
Now that we understand why the shift is happening, let’s dive into the activities that are replacing alcohol in team-building events. These activities are designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and personal connections—all while having fun! Here are some of the best alcohol-free alternatives:
One of the most popular and effective team-building activities, the **Scavenger Hunt** is an energetic and engaging outdoor event that gets teams up and out of the office. Our Big Smoke Scavenger Hunt involves teams of 6-8 people racing against the clock, solving 30 personalized challenges that require problem-solving, planning, and collaboration. The event wraps up with a highlight presentation showcasing the best moments from each team, fostering a sense of healthy competition and camaraderie. It’s a fantastic way to boost team morale and productivity while being active and outside the usual work environment.
2. Personalized Trivia Quizzes
Trivia quizzes are a great way to connect with colleagues in a fun, light-hearted way. Our **Personalized Trivia Quiz** allows teams to bond over bespoke questions tailored to your company and its people. This event creates an opportunity for employees to learn more about one another in a playful and engaging format—no drinks required! By designing the quiz around your team, you can break the ice and encourage friendly competition while learning fun facts about colleagues in a relaxed, non-alcoholic environment. This is a great virtual event option if you are looking for something for a remote team!
3. Festive Bingo Challenge Show
Perfect for end-of-year parties or any celebratory occasion, the **Festive Bingo Challenge Show** brings the excitement of bingo with a global twist. Instead of simply matching numbers, participants match words or phrases to visual and audio clips from around the world. The event includes fun challenges between rounds that get everyone moving, drawing, or answering quickly for the chance to fast-track to bingo. It’s an inclusive, playful experience that embraces global cultures and traditions while keeping the energy high and the drinks low.
4. Outdoor Adventure Activities
Physical activities are always a hit when it comes to team bonding. From hiking and rock climbing to zip-lining or kayaking, outdoor adventures bring teams together through shared challenges and physical exertion. These activities promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—all while offering the kind of adrenaline and excitement that you won’t find at a bar. Outdoor activities are an excellent way to break down barriers and strengthen relationships in a healthy, alcohol-free environment.
5. Creative Workshops and Art Classes
For teams that enjoy expressing their creativity, workshops like painting, pottery-making, or cooking classes can offer a relaxing and productive alternative to a night out drinking. These hands-on experiences allow employees to work together, share ideas, and explore their artistic sides while learning new skills. Creative activities promote communication, collaboration, and a sense of achievement—all key elements of effective team building.
6. Wellness and Mindfulness Retreats
A growing trend in team building is incorporating wellness into company events. Yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness workshops are excellent ways to help employees unwind, de-stress, and build emotional resilience. Wellness retreats or team-building sessions focused on self-care allow employees to recharge both mentally and physically, fostering a positive and balanced work environment.
Tips for creating a non-alcohol focussed event
To ensure that your event has a maximum impact on team building, consider the following tips:
Book your venue early – especially in peak summer or towards the end of the year. You are not the only company who is looking for a space to hold their company social. Think outside the box when looking at where to hold your event to move away from your standard boozer. For example, warehouses, theatres, galleries, conservatories are a different backdrop to help shift the focus away from alcohol.
Give your team something else to focus on – all our events are created to be engaging & playful with just the right amount of a challenge to keep people on their toes.
Choose an event that would work well for the personalities in your company. Is your team driven & competitive? Our Scavenger Hunt would work perfectly for you. Are your team methodical planners? Our Jenga Challenge Show will be right up their street. Are your team looking to be wowed & amazed? The Magic Bingo Challenge Show is there to mesmerise them all! Whatever your team personality, we are bound to have something that suits you!
Set up a poll – if you are full of ideas & struggling to decide – ask your team! Instead of wracking your brain, on what to do for your social, set up a simple poll with your top 3 options. This will help create a general consensus of what your team wants & expects from your social.
Provide options for all – we’re not saying that having a drink is wrong but we do believe options are important. Have a variety of alcohol & non-alcoholic drinks available i.e. not just a lemonade for the people who don’t drink. There are so many interesting non-alcoholic options to choose from nowadays so allow your no alcohol team be appreciated in your interesting beverage choices!
Need help planning your next alcohol free Corporate team event?
The shift from alcohol-based team-building activities to more engaging, inclusive, and health-conscious events marks a significant change in the way companies approach team dynamics. With wellness and inclusivity taking center stage, companies are opting for activities like scavenger hunts, personalized trivia quizzes, and creative workshops to foster collaboration, improve morale, and build lasting relationships. These activities are not only more affordable but also offer an experience that is more memorable and impactful than a round of drinks at the bar.
By embracing this pivot, companies can offer their teams experiences that align with today’s values—health, inclusivity, and fun. So, the next time you plan a team-building event, think outside the bar and create an experience that will leave your team engaged, energized, and connected. We are here to help you!
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