SUMMARY
There’s nothing wrong with having a beer or two during your WFH day as long as it doesn’t negatively impact your productivity. Just be smart about it and enjoy the secret privilege.
You’ve probably heard of some of the crazy kick-ass work perks that dot-com start-ups offer their employees. It’s one of the ways that start-ups can attract and retain top talent.
These kinds of perks include things like flexible hours, casual dress code, telecommuting and...are you ready?
Free beer on-site!
Can you imagine how fucking awesome it is to be able to enjoy a frothy cold brewski with lunch without anybody getting on your case about it?
Well, you don’t have to imagine it.
If you’re working from home, you have these same perks now.
When you’re WFH, you don’t need to deal with a stressful commute, you can dress uber-casual or even go pants-free if you wanted to and you can drink beer during the day, all without getting in trouble.
If you’re a beer fan, you’ve probably already had a beer or two during your WFH days.
In fact, American Addiction Centers conducted a survey of 3,000 employees working from home and it showed that about 1 in 3 Americans are more likely to drink while working from home versus at the office.
Well, duh!
When the boss isn’t around and can’t physically see you when you’re WFH, you can do whatever the fuck you want, including knocking back a brew or even having a nooner.
However, there are some key things you should be aware of when you’re looking to imbibe some daytime lagers and ales. It’s simple stuff. It’s not like you’re operating heavy machinery. We’re all office slaves after all.
These kinds of perks include things like flexible hours, casual dress code, telecommuting and...are you ready?
Free beer on-site!
Can you imagine how fucking awesome it is to be able to enjoy a frothy cold brewski with lunch without anybody getting on your case about it?
Well, you don’t have to imagine it.
If you’re working from home, you have these same perks now.
When you’re WFH, you don’t need to deal with a stressful commute, you can dress uber-casual or even go pants-free if you wanted to and you can drink beer during the day, all without getting in trouble.
If you’re a beer fan, you’ve probably already had a beer or two during your WFH days.
In fact, American Addiction Centers conducted a survey of 3,000 employees working from home and it showed that about 1 in 3 Americans are more likely to drink while working from home versus at the office.
Well, duh!
When the boss isn’t around and can’t physically see you when you’re WFH, you can do whatever the fuck you want, including knocking back a brew or even having a nooner.
However, there are some key things you should be aware of when you’re looking to imbibe some daytime lagers and ales. It’s simple stuff. It’s not like you’re operating heavy machinery. We’re all office slaves after all.
The Do’s & Dont’s Of Drinking Beer While Working
Enjoying a beer with lunch can be a fantastic way to mentally and emotionally detach yourself from work during your break. And, it’s critically important to take your lunch break because working through lunch has other health consequences.
When you’re able to manage work stress and let the work bullshit go, your mind has more freedom to wander. And, it’s in these “free range” moments that your brain somehow comes up with ideas, solutions, fixes, etc.
It’s like the eureka moments that you get in the shower.
Now, you don’t need to get smashed to have these moments. In fact, 99% of the ideas that come out of your mouth when you’re stupid drunk is usually worthless crap.
This is about relaxing and decompressing or getting your creative juices flowing, not about getting buzzed.
Here’s how to go about things so that you don’t get yourself busted.
When you’re able to manage work stress and let the work bullshit go, your mind has more freedom to wander. And, it’s in these “free range” moments that your brain somehow comes up with ideas, solutions, fixes, etc.
It’s like the eureka moments that you get in the shower.
Now, you don’t need to get smashed to have these moments. In fact, 99% of the ideas that come out of your mouth when you’re stupid drunk is usually worthless crap.
This is about relaxing and decompressing or getting your creative juices flowing, not about getting buzzed.
Here’s how to go about things so that you don’t get yourself busted.
The Do’s Of Drinking Beer And Working
Here are some of the top things that we recommend when you’re looking to crack open and enjoy a cold one. It’s not a comprehensive list, but does include some key tips and ideas.
1) Do enjoy a light beer with lunch
Drinking a beer first thing when you wake up in the morning isn’t an ideal morning routine unless you’re an over-grown frat-boy. You’re adulting now, so it’s time to get with the program.
The best time to enjoy your favorite beer is during lunch. Drinking beer while eating food helps to slow down and level out the amount of alcohol that your body will take in and process.
This is particularly important if you have a video meeting right after lunch. You won’t be buzzed at all if you have a beer or two with your lunch.
The best time to enjoy your favorite beer is during lunch. Drinking beer while eating food helps to slow down and level out the amount of alcohol that your body will take in and process.
This is particularly important if you have a video meeting right after lunch. You won’t be buzzed at all if you have a beer or two with your lunch.
2) Do drink beer during virtual happy hours
When everyone’s working from home and virtual, you lose out on the social interactions that would normally happen in the office. It’s the casual chats with your cube neighbors, the hallway hellos, the break room catch ups, etc.
So, join in on your team’s virtual online happy hours. Just be sure to follow some happy hour etiquette so that you don’t ruin your rep.
It’s good to see other people’s faces and hang out and chill. Bring your favorite beer and see what others are drinking. You just might find a new one to try out.
So, join in on your team’s virtual online happy hours. Just be sure to follow some happy hour etiquette so that you don’t ruin your rep.
It’s good to see other people’s faces and hang out and chill. Bring your favorite beer and see what others are drinking. You just might find a new one to try out.
3) Do try non-alcoholic beers
Yup, non-alcoholic beer. We can hear your groans, “What’s the point? It’s like drinking decaf coffee in the morning. You’ll be falling asleep at your desk.”
But, hear us out.
Way back in the ‘90s, there were only two brands of NA beers - O’Douls and Sharps. Both were light lagers that lacked flavor. It was slim pickings.
However, now there are a bunch of NA beers to choose from across different categories like stouts and IPAs. The microbrews have gotten into the game and because of that they’ve gotten much better tasting too.
Are they as good as the real thing?
No, but they’ve improved a lot since the ‘90s for sure. Just be sure that they’re really cold when it comes to drinking them.
So, the next time you’re out, stop by your local beer-n-wine shop and check out the NA beers. You might even want to try the updated version of the old standby O’Douls, the amber dark version. You’ll be surprised.
But, hear us out.
Way back in the ‘90s, there were only two brands of NA beers - O’Douls and Sharps. Both were light lagers that lacked flavor. It was slim pickings.
However, now there are a bunch of NA beers to choose from across different categories like stouts and IPAs. The microbrews have gotten into the game and because of that they’ve gotten much better tasting too.
Are they as good as the real thing?
No, but they’ve improved a lot since the ‘90s for sure. Just be sure that they’re really cold when it comes to drinking them.
So, the next time you’re out, stop by your local beer-n-wine shop and check out the NA beers. You might even want to try the updated version of the old standby O’Douls, the amber dark version. You’ll be surprised.
4) Do keep a mug in the freezer
When you drink beer from a frozen mug or pint glass, it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. It’s the thin layer of frost around the lip, the extra cold glass, the condensation trickling down the sides, etc.
Get in the habit of storing a few of your favorite beer mugs or glasses in the freezer and when it’s time to pour a cold one, use that frozen glass and you’ll take your enjoyment up to another level.
It goes without saying that you should keep your beer in the fridge too. Cold beer poured into a frozen glass is really a magical treat and one of the many things you can smile about.
Get in the habit of storing a few of your favorite beer mugs or glasses in the freezer and when it’s time to pour a cold one, use that frozen glass and you’ll take your enjoyment up to another level.
It goes without saying that you should keep your beer in the fridge too. Cold beer poured into a frozen glass is really a magical treat and one of the many things you can smile about.
5) Do stay well under your limits
You know your body best. So, stay well under your buzzed level like there was a DUI checkpoint on the way back to your desk.
The last thing you want to happen is to get outed during one of your video meetings or conference calls with slurred speech. Getting busted for drinking on the job, even when you’re WFH can get your ass canned.
It’s not worth the risk. So, don’t be stupid. Be responsible and stay sharp.
You can let loose after work. In fact, you could even make your second beer of the day your “crossing the finish line” reward. It’d be a great way to disconnect from your WFH day.
The last thing you want to happen is to get outed during one of your video meetings or conference calls with slurred speech. Getting busted for drinking on the job, even when you’re WFH can get your ass canned.
It’s not worth the risk. So, don’t be stupid. Be responsible and stay sharp.
You can let loose after work. In fact, you could even make your second beer of the day your “crossing the finish line” reward. It’d be a great way to disconnect from your WFH day.
The Don’ts Of Drinking Beer And Working
As with any list, there’s also the flip side to things. And, it’s no different here.
The list of “don’ts” can potentially be a much longer one than the “do’s” but we’re not here to roll out a mile-long list of things you shouldn’t do.
Here are some of the more significant “don’ts” that you need to follow so that you can keep a good thing going.
The list of “don’ts” can potentially be a much longer one than the “do’s” but we’re not here to roll out a mile-long list of things you shouldn’t do.
Here are some of the more significant “don’ts” that you need to follow so that you can keep a good thing going.
1) Don’t drink during a video call (duh!)
Yeah, it’s not a good idea to join a video meeting with a bottle of beer in your hand. It won’t do your personal brand any favors at all. You’ll just get a lot of “What Da Fuck?” stares from everyone on the call.
Keep the beer sipping to the kitchen or dining table. Don’t bring it to your desk, unless it’s for the virtual team happy hour. That’s about the only time you can and should crack open a fresh bottle of beer to enjoy while chatting it up with coworkers.
Keep the beer sipping to the kitchen or dining table. Don’t bring it to your desk, unless it’s for the virtual team happy hour. That’s about the only time you can and should crack open a fresh bottle of beer to enjoy while chatting it up with coworkers.
2) Don’t leave empty beer bottles laying around
Many people don’t realize how good laptop webcams have become. That underwear draped over the drawer, the bath towel hanging behind the door, the reflection in the window, etc can all potentially seen by attendees on the call.
Anything that is in front of your laptop’s camera can be seen. So, don’t leave your mess laying all around for others to see. This includes any empty beer bottles in and around your workspace at home.
You don’t live in a frat house. Clean up your act and put all the empties in the recycling bin. And while you’re at it, check yourself in the mirror too because WFH dress codes still matter.
Anything that is in front of your laptop’s camera can be seen. So, don’t leave your mess laying all around for others to see. This includes any empty beer bottles in and around your workspace at home.
You don’t live in a frat house. Clean up your act and put all the empties in the recycling bin. And while you’re at it, check yourself in the mirror too because WFH dress codes still matter.
3) Don’t get shit-faced (duh, again)
This is the big obvious one. This isn’t the time to get drunk off your ass. There’s only one thing that will happen if you do - you’ll be claiming unemployment benefits.
It can be tempting to have several more of your favorite beer and get a strong buzz going. But, leave the party happy attitude for the weekends with your friends.
Better yet, use that happy energy to explore and try new things on the weekends. It’s a great way to make your weekends feel longer.
It can be tempting to have several more of your favorite beer and get a strong buzz going. But, leave the party happy attitude for the weekends with your friends.
Better yet, use that happy energy to explore and try new things on the weekends. It’s a great way to make your weekends feel longer.
4) Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Alcohol goes right to your head when you drink on an empty stomach. So, be sure to enjoy your beer with your favorite lunchtime meal.
By eating food and sipping on a beer, you’ll be slowing the absorption of alcohol into your system and thus, will be less affected by the booze. This is especially true for people that are smaller in stature. For the big guys, two beers won’t do shit really.
It’s not like you’re gonna be drinking a six-pack with a sandwich - that’s not a good thing. But, drinking your fav IPA or lager with some eats is perfectly fine.
By eating food and sipping on a beer, you’ll be slowing the absorption of alcohol into your system and thus, will be less affected by the booze. This is especially true for people that are smaller in stature. For the big guys, two beers won’t do shit really.
It’s not like you’re gonna be drinking a six-pack with a sandwich - that’s not a good thing. But, drinking your fav IPA or lager with some eats is perfectly fine.
5) Don’t drink high alcohol versions
The whole microbrew boom has not only introduced new and interesting beer varieties, it’s also created a new segment of high alcohol content brews that can pack a serious punch.
They make Colt 45 and Old English 800 whimper in shame.
We’re talking beers that have ABV ratings that can be as high as 30% when the average beer is only 4.5%. These kinds of beers will knock you on your ass. They’ll turn your WFH nap into a full-on coma.
Don’t drink these during the day. Leave the high-power and malt liquor versions for the weekend. Billy Dee Williams said so.
They make Colt 45 and Old English 800 whimper in shame.
We’re talking beers that have ABV ratings that can be as high as 30% when the average beer is only 4.5%. These kinds of beers will knock you on your ass. They’ll turn your WFH nap into a full-on coma.
Don’t drink these during the day. Leave the high-power and malt liquor versions for the weekend. Billy Dee Williams said so.
Enjoy A Brewski & Stay Productive
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a brewski during the day so long as it doesn’t negatively impact your productivity and/or work quality.
As long as you’re getting your shit done on time and on target and are able to work effectively with others, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a cold frosty one or two during your break.
When you can really enjoy your lunch hour away from all the stress of work, it recharges you for the afternoon ahead. You can get in the zone with work.
Just remember that it’s a privilege to be able to enjoy your favorite beer during the work day. Because when you’re back in the office, this kind of shit won’t fly. So, enjoy it on the days that you’re working from home while you can.
And, you don’t wanna fuck this up and get yourself into trouble.
So, be smart about it and you’ll feel like you’re part of the new dot com startup crowd.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]
As long as you’re getting your shit done on time and on target and are able to work effectively with others, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a cold frosty one or two during your break.
When you can really enjoy your lunch hour away from all the stress of work, it recharges you for the afternoon ahead. You can get in the zone with work.
Just remember that it’s a privilege to be able to enjoy your favorite beer during the work day. Because when you’re back in the office, this kind of shit won’t fly. So, enjoy it on the days that you’re working from home while you can.
And, you don’t wanna fuck this up and get yourself into trouble.
So, be smart about it and you’ll feel like you’re part of the new dot com startup crowd.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]