Industry responds to ‘alcohol in adland’
In response to our recent feature ‘Alcohol in adland and its impact on staff’, Mumbrella’s Calum Jaspan put the topic to some of Australia’s prominent agencies, in order to see how the industry has, and looks to, respond to this issue. And to see if office trends are changing, as companies slowly reintroduce staff back into offices, along with client entertainment.
There is an acknowledgement in the advertising world that events and socials can, and have been reliant on alcohol.
“The industry has historically been built-off a social culture, much of which is around a drinking culture,” says Pauly Grant, Publicis Groupe ANZ’s chief talent officer. “I do however think things have changed somewhat, especially since COVID. This could be due to the fact there are lower numbers of staff in the office due to our hybrid way of working.”
If half the office is at home, then the perceived pressure to drink, be sociable or match other’s drinking is somewhat reduced. And it’s not just staying home that is changing drinking habits, but people’s commuting trends are influencing their decision whether or not to stay for that extra drink says Grant.
