As we look forward to the new year, goals are on every employee’s mind. Whether it’s getting more exercise, quitting a bad habit, or practicing mindfulness, these New Year’s resolutions are often centered around one thing—wellbeing.
And after the pandemic caused a rise in alcohol consumption rates (more specifically for wine and spirits), it may come as no surprise that one resolution on many people’s lists will be to lower their alcohol intake.
For many, the first day of January marks the beginning of a month-long challenge known as Dry January—one in a series of challenges, including Dry July and Sober October. But whether the goal is to abstain for just one month or an entire year, this practice of mindful drinking can have numerous benefits both personally and professionally speaking.
So what role does the organization play in helping employees reach their goals and complete a successful Dry January?
In 2013, Alcohol Change UK launched the first-ever Dry January campaign, born out of a simple yet powerful idea: “If we got more people having a break from booze in January, could we get more people thinking about their drinking?”
Since then, the campaign has run strong for over a decade, reaching over 175,000 confirmed participants in 2023—and that’s not to mention the countless others who haven’t signed up but have heard of the trend.
In addition to Sober October and Dry July, the Dry January challenge demonstrates the growing popularity of mindful drinking, especially as sales for non-alcoholic beverage sales skyrocket in supermarkets and bars alike.
But aside from the increasing availability of alcohol-free drinks, what else has been driving people to drink less, and why is it important for organizations to support their employees in pursuing a dry month challenge?
We now understand how beneficial a dry challenge can be, but many organizations may question their role in helping employees reach their goals.
The first step, as always, should be to foster a respectful, understanding, and inclusive company culture that supports each individual, wherever they’re at in their wellness journey. But in addition, organizations can also work to actively empower their employees, whether they’re sober, drinking less, or just curious about it.
Looking to incorporate Dry January into your annual wellness strategy?
At WellRight, we specialize in showing organizations how a holistic approach to wellness can empower employees across all aspects of their lives, from their physical and mental health to their social and occupational wellbeing.
Discover how WellRight can help your organization spearhead a successful Dry January and promote healthier habits all year long by talking to one of our experts today.