TBN #45
Save Your Drink Tickets
Hey friend, if you ever host an event…
…don’t get give me drink tickets.
Living in LA I am afforded the opportunity to attend many events. This past weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating Diwali with some of my students. The weekend prior, I had the opportunity to attend CurlyCon. Typically these events include two (or more) drink tickets for the bar. For some people, drink tickets are a nice gesture. But for me, I’m not impressed.
I’ve been a non-drinker for most of my adult life. I also don’t like mocktails. There’s nothing worse than a server offering you a syrupy, “virgin” version of an alcoholic drink. I prefer an artisanal non-alcoholic beverage like this one or this one, that shows some effort and intentionality.
But also…
Drink tickets as incentives are often misguided. In fact, more folks are becoming sober curious. According to International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR) data, no alcohol and low-alcohol consumption will increase by a third by 2026. As a result, the demand of non-alcoholic beverages is expected to significantly increase.
In addition to me and the sober-curious folks, there are also people who in recovery. It is important to consider their needs and lifestyle when providing alcohol as an incentive or perk for an event.
Here’s a Basic refresher on how to support sober employees (and friends):
Educate yourself. The first step begins with you. Educate yourself on addiction, recovery, and the challenges individuals face on their journey to becoming and staying sober.
In the words of my mom: “find something better to do.” Plan social events that do not center alcohol. These events can be team-building, volunteer, or wellness opportunities. If you have to have alcohol at the event, make sure there are appealing non-alcoholic beverage options.
Foster an environment that values open communication. Create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where employees (and friends) feel comfortable discussing their (journey to) sobriety. In a work setting, these conversations are best done in a 1:1 check-in.
Be flexible. Offer flexible hours and remote work options to support employees who may have appointments or prior commitments related to their recovery. Your colleague may also need to take time off.
Provide support. If you are a manager, communicate policies and procedures related to requesting time off for treatment or counseling. You may also want to provide your colleague information on peer support or employeee resource groups.
Grab a mocktail and et’s get into this week’s update…
WEEKLY UPDATE
CLIFF NOTES: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
“Everyone loves diversity and inclusion - until you stick up for Palestinians”
November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, Movember, National Caregivers Month, National Native American Heritage Month.
HOMEWORK: FAST CAR
What I’m Watching 📺 : Quiz Lady on Hulu.
What I’m Reading This Month 📚: Still reading You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life and also picked up Britney Spear’s book.
What I’m Listening To 🎧: Fast Car by Tracy Chapman in honor of her winning a CMA 35 years after the release of this song.
I’d love to hear from you!
What do you need to be better in work and in life? Send me a message or connect with me on social.
