Could Dry July be the answer to a more productive workplace?
Alcohol remains one of the most widely consumed drugs in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 77% of Australians aged 14 and over consumed alcohol in the previous year, while around one in four exceed the recommended guideline of no more than 10 standard drinks per week.
Excessive alcohol consumption can impact physical health, mental wellbeing, sleep quality and workplace performance. That’s one reason why initiatives such as Dry July continue to gain momentum across the country.
For workplaces, Dry July offers an opportunity to support employee wellbeing, encourage healthier habits and create positive conversations around health and lifestyle choices.
What is Dry July?
Dry July is a national fundraising campaign that encourages participants to go alcohol-free throughout July while raising funds for people affected by cancer.
Since launching in 2008, Dry July participants have raised more than $103 million for cancer support services across Australia. More than 400,000 Australians have participated in the initiative, making it one of the country’s most successful health and fundraising campaigns.
Many workplaces now embrace Dry July as part of their employee wellbeing programs, using the challenge to encourage healthy behaviours, team engagement and workplace wellness.
While Dry July is best known as a fundraising initiative, many participants report significant personal benefits. In fact, Cancer Council WA states that “The average Australian household will save $1664 a year…” when giving up alcohol. These benefits can also translate into positive workplace outcomes.
Reducing your alcohol use can reduce your risk of cancer and according to Alcohol and Drug Foundation can give you better sleep, more energy, improved memory and many other benefits.
For employers, these outcomes can support a healthier and more productive workforce because healthier people can perform better at work.
How alcohol can affect workplace performance
Dry July is an opportune time for employees to reflect on their drinking habits and develop a greater awareness of how alcohol affects their health, wellbeing and day-to-day performance and whether it impacts workplace safety.
The effects of consuming alcohol may include:
- reduced concentration and focus
- slower reaction times
- impaired judgement and decision-making
- fatigue and poor sleep quality
- increased absenteeism
- reduced productivity and
- increased risk of workplace incidents and injuries.
One survey states “(77%) indicated that higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with higher levels of impaired work performance.”
These risks can be particularly significant in safety-sensitive industries such as mining, construction, manufacturing, transport and logistics, where workers must remain fit for duty at all times.
Tips to prepare your team for Dry July
Communicate early
Let employees know about Dry July well before the challenge begins. Sharing information about the initiative, its purpose and potential benefits gives people time to prepare and decide whether they would like to participate.
Encourage voluntary participation
Participation should always be optional. Some employees may choose not to take part for personal, cultural or medical reasons.
Focus on creating an inclusive environment that supports those who wish to participate without placing pressure on others.
Set team goals
Friendly team challenges can increase engagement and motivation.
Consider setting:
- fundraising targets
- participation goals
- wellness challenges
- team milestones throughout the month.
Provide alcohol-free alternatives
If your workplace regularly hosts social events, consider offering alcohol-free options or activities throughout July.
This may include:
- alcohol-free beverages
- healthy morning teas
- team lunches
- social activities that do not centre around alcohol.
Share educational resources
Provide employees with information about the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Educational resources can help participants stay motivated and understand the positive changes they may experience throughout the month.
Check these resources out as a starting point:
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
State Library NSW alcohol resources
Workplace activity ideas for Dry July
Looking for ways to engage your team that don’t have to involve alcohol?
Consider:
- walking challenges
- step competitions
- healthy lunch initiatives
- mindfulness sessions
- wellbeing workshops
- fundraising activities
- guest speakers
- mocktail-making competitions
- team fitness activities.
These initiatives can help create a sense of community while supporting broader wellbeing goals.
You can go further
The good thing about Dry July is that the conversations it starts can have long-term benefits. Workplaces can build on the momentum and continue promoting healthy choices via internal wellbeing programs and other initiatives.
Plan for Dry July by visiting the website.