Introduction Certain professions can’t seem to shake off the stereotype labelling them as regular drinkers. Whether it’s builders relaxing with a couple of pints after a hard day’s graft or advertising agents wining and dining their clients, the assumption remains. But how accurate are these stereotypes?
A recent government survey of 1,400 workers from different industries uncovered which sectors drink the most units of alcohol every week. The results placed the following sectors at the top:
• Media, publishing or entertainment workers - 44 units on average • IT workers – 34 units on average • Service sector (e.g., restaurant, retail, hospitality) workers – 33 units on average • Finance, insurance and real estate workers – 29 units on average.
Among those labelled as the most moderate drinkers were teachers and those in the transport and travel industry, consuming on average 24 units a week. Many workers in the UK are drinking above the governments recommended guidelines and are at risk of damaging their health. The recommended daily alcohol unit intake is 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women. Multiplying this by five working days equates to 21 – 28 units for men and 14 – 21 units for women, which many people in the sectors above are exceeding regularly.
Under pressure
What is causing people in certain industries to drink heavily? • 29% of the media and IT sectors and 25% of the finance sector said the office drinking culture was a factor, along with pressure from colleagues to drink after work. • 52% of everyone interviewed mentioned stress as a major factor and they drink to relieve a stressful day. • Around 30% of people from each sector in the survey admitted to drinking to relieve stress at least once a day.
The alternatives
Socialising with work colleagues doesn’t have to involve propping up the bar. There are other alternatives which with a bit of creativity and forward planning can be much more fun and won’t result in a hangover the next day. If it really is a case of mission impossible to go out with your workmates and stay sober, start filling your after work diary with other activities that will encourage you not to follow them to the pub. Here are some suggestions:
Book cinema tickets in advance - cinemas usually have screenings early in the evening, perfect for catching a film after work. Do shopping or errands after work – this will give you more free time on weekends to relax and do the things you enjoy. Even better, make plans for the weekend so that you only have weekday evenings to do the chores. New class or sporting activity – try something new! Enrol in an evening class or take up a new sport. You’ll meet new people and might even make it a weekly occurrence.
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