The Sober-Curious Workplace: What to Stock When Employees Want Alternatives to Alcohol

Abstaining from alcohol is becoming more and more popular. Today, a significant percentage of Gen Z-ers and Millennials are passing on alcoholic beverages in favor of a variety of alternatives. The motivations for exploring a sober-curious lifestyle are many. No matter the reason, it’s always important for individuals to have options, especially if they’re trying to move away from alcoholic beverages. 

You can support your employees in this journey by stocking your workplace with a diverse selection of quality beverages. That’s easier than you might think when you work with the InReach team. Connect with us today to learn more!

Understanding the Sober-Curious Movement

Sober-curious is a relatively new term used to describe people who are cutting back on alcohol, or who are cutting it out completely. This isn’t necessarily being done for medical reasons. It is often simply a conscious lifestyle choice. According to a report from Keurig Dr. Pepper, 56% of consumers have decided to cut back on alcohol for wellness reasons. Among Gen Z, 61% report preferring non-alcoholic beverages when hanging out with friends. 

As an employer, you might have noticed some of your workers talking about this movement. Supporting them in their personal choices is important, and it can be as easy as simply offering great beverage options in your building. The alcohol alternatives that work in an office setting are many, as long as you know where to look. 

Excellent Non-Alcoholic Options for the Office

Having fresh, clean water available in your office is obviously a foundational piece of any beverage program. That component is non-negotiable, but you can add on many other choices from there to make things more interesting. The goal when looking for the best alcohol alternatives is to find drinks that feel like a treat or pick-me-up during the middle of a long day. Some options include –

• Sparkling Water and Seltzers: These types of drinks are extremely popular today, as they add a fun and tasty twist to drinking plain water. 
• Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: You don’t actually have to stray far from the world of alcoholic drinks to find things people in your building will love. Canned mocktails are one example of products in this growing category. 
• Kombucha: Another drink that has become extremely popular lately, kombucha is a favorite among people who are prioritizing their overall health. 
• Premium Juices: High-quality juices that are relatively low in sugar are also delicious options that will likely be embraced by a portion of your employees. 

Meeting the Needs of All Employees

You can never apply one line of thinking across the board to all of your employees. There is always going to be variation and diversity in what people want and like. So, to build a successful beverage program, you need to embrace that diversity and cover as many bases as possible. 

Even among those exploring a sober lifestyle, there will be some variety. Some will be going entirely alcohol-free. Others might not want to have drinks at work events. For example, if you have company happy hours, offering non-alcoholic drinks along with the traditional alcoholic offerings will make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. 

Simplify Beverage Service With InReach

You can provide your employees with excellent beverage options for alcohol alternatives without spending tons of time or money on the process. The key is partnering with the experts at InReach. We’ll bring the industry experience and knowledge needed to stock up your building properly and keep it stocked day after day. Your employees will love having convenient access to drinks that serve their personal health goals, whatever those goals may be. 

Proudly part of Sodexo, InReach offers global reach, customized attention, and a large, growing buying network that keeps food costs low and quality high. Contact us today to learn more.