Gen z reveals they avoid going to the pub after work with ‘draining’ colleagues, and it’s not about avoiding alcohol.
In recent years, bosses have been encouraged to replace traditional post-work drinks with daytime socialising.
This change is partly to make the workplace more inclusive, especially for Gen-Z workers who don’t drink.
However, a deeper issue seems to be at play, as many younger workers view socialising outside of work hours as unpaid extra work.
Gen Z workers are expressing disdain for post-work socialising
Nowaday, workers, particularly Gen Z, have taken to TikTok to share their reluctance to join colleagues for after-work drinks. Some workers are outspoken in stating that they would only participate if they were paid to do so.
One TikTok user said, “Unless I’m getting paid to be there, I absolutely will not be joining you.” Another added, “I get paid to talk to colleagues 9-5, not after.”
The reluctance appears to be linked to a desire to separate work from personal time.
For some, the idea of spending more time with colleagues—who they often consider mere coworkers rather than friends—is unappealing.
As one critic put it, “Unless company socialising is on company time, I am not participating. They are colleagues, not friends.”
Daytime events are becoming a preferred alternative
This shift away from after-work socialising has led to the rise of daytime events, like group breakfasts and away days, as alternatives.
TikTok videos showcasing “office breakfast clubs” demonstrate how these events allow employees to network during working hours while enjoying food such as croissants, juices, and fruits.
One user emphasized, “My workday has finished. I’m a pro, so I can get the job done without being your friend. If you can’t, then I wouldn’t employ such a needy adult.” This comment reflects a growing sentiment: workers prefer to keep their professional relationships separate from friendships.
Avoiding alcohol is part of the issue
While some workers do avoid after-work drinks to steer clear of alcohol, the issue seems to be more complex.
A report found that more young people are choosing not to drink. In fact, 21% of under-25s reported avoiding alcohol completely in 2024, up from 14% in 2017.
With more people working from home and preferring non-alcoholic socialising, bosses are advised to offer alternatives like group breakfasts or team-building away days.
For many, socialising with colleagues is ‘draining’
For some, the reluctance to socialise outside of work stems from feeling “drained” by their colleagues. A number of TikTok users shared their frustrations, with one commenter writing, “A lot of older colleagues are just painful to be around no offense, we just have nothing in common.” Another commenter stated, “After-work drinks is pure torture—I’d rather do literally *anything* else.”
Many of these workers draw a clear line between work and friendship. One user summed it up by saying, “Colleagues are not friends. Do not make that mistake.” Others agreed, noting that after work, they prefer to spend time with their real friends, not coworkers. “I love after-work drinks.
Just with my actual friends rather than work people,” one user explained.
The myth of climbing the corporate ladder through work drinks
Many younger workers are also quick to point out that attending work drinks isn’t necessary for career advancement.
In fact, some see it as a myth. One user shared, “When I was in the corporate space, it was just things like, ‘I don’t want to go to after-work drinks,’ but that’s just the culture, so you just do it.”
Stephen Adeoye, CEO of Beyond Education, also stated that he avoids work drinks because “you do not have to go to work drinks to progress in the corporate world, that’s just a myth.”
Despite the growing trend of avoiding after-work socialising, there are still some employees who enjoy unwinding with colleagues.
One user wrote, “I love the people I work with and always up for drinks with the work lot. It’s nice to socialise with them outside of work settings.’
While Gen Z workers are shifting away from traditional after-work drinks, the reasons go beyond avoiding alcohol. For many, it’s about boundaries, maintaining work-life balance, and prioritising real friendships over professional relationships.