What are the drawbacks of social activities after work?

Published 20 June 2023 | 2 min read

Employees prefer socialising during 9 to 5 rather than after work

Meet Sarah, a dedicated professional who, like many others, faced burnout due to long hours and a lack of meaningful connections with her colleagues. She longed for a change, yearning to strike a better balance between work and personal life.

Unfortunately, things only seemed to worsen for Sarah. As her company began organising after-work events to foster team bonding, she found herself facing a new dilemma. These events, intended to create camaraderie, inadvertently added to her overwhelmed schedule. Sarah felt pressured to attend these events, sacrificing her valuable personal time and struggling to find moments for self-care and recharge.

However, a new report by ezCater has unveiled a fascinating shift in workplace culture. The survey, conducted among 500 individuals, revealed that an overwhelming 68% of employees actually prefer connecting with their colleagues during their traditional work hours. This intriguing finding suggests that employees desire socialisation opportunities that integrate seamlessly into their daily routines, offering a fresh perspective on employee engagement and well-being.

The report further highlights the drawbacks of after-work events:

• 81% of respondents expressed their desire for more bonding activities during work hours, emphasising a need for change.
• 64% admitted feeling obligated to participate in after-work events, often sacrificing their personal commitments.
• 31% of respondents, these events meant compromising time with loved ones or personal rejuvenation.
• 51% confessed to resorting to lies or sneaking out altogether to avoid such engagements.

So, how can small-to-medium New Zealand business owners and decision-makers embrace this paradigm shift and foster a positive future for their employees?

Let's delve into some solutions:

1. Are team lunches the answer? Consider investing in team lunches as an inclusive way to bring employees together during work hours. This creates excitement and fosters collaboration, eliminating the need for after-work events that encroach on personal time.
2. Can we reimagine lunch breaks? Explore the possibility of offering free lunches and dedicated time for employees to eat and socialise with their co-workers. Incorporating engaging activities like cooking and cocktail demonstrations, workouts, or guest speaker series during these breaks can invigorate team dynamics and promote bonding.
3. How can we create a "commute-worthy" office environment? As executives strive to encourage the return to the office, it's crucial to make the workspace appealing to employees. By crafting an environment that values social connections and personal well-being, businesses can inspire their workforce to engage in socialising during work hours.

By addressing these questions and implementing the proposed solutions, employers can navigate the evolving landscape of workplace culture. Embracing socialisation during the 9-to-5 timeframe not only promotes employee satisfaction and work-life balance but also cultivates a collaborative and productive work environment.

As the tide of workplace culture shifts, it is essential for small-to-medium New Zealand businesses to recognise this transformation and adapt accordingly. By valuing employees' preferences and providing opportunities for socialising during work hours, decision-makers can lay the foundation for a thriving and engaged workforce. Together, let's embark on this journey toward a more fulfilling and harmonious work-life experience.