One in four young workers drink to get ahead at work

-

One in four under 35 year olds admitted they have drunk alcohol to get ahead according to a survey commissioned by recruitment consultants Adecco. The research, taken from Adecco’s Employment Study, found that employees under 35 were most likely to alter their behaviour in pursuit of career progression.

The survey looked at some of tactics we use to get ahead in the workplace and found that:

  • One in ten of us (12%) have laughed at a boss’s joke to get ahead in the workplace.
  • Almost half (47%) of under 35 year olds have laughed at their bosses’ jokes to get ahead
  • A quarter (25%) of employees thinks it’s easier for those from posh/upper-middle class backgrounds to progress at work.

Steven Kirkpatrick, Managing Director at Adecco added:

“The results of our research highlight the enthusiasm of younger workers. We never advise changing your social habits to get ahead – if you don’t drink, there’s no need to start for the sake of supposed career progression. However, laughing at an unfunny joke isn’t going to harm anyone. If your boss is more David Brent than David Walliams, often it’s kinder to fill the silence with a titter than watching the proverbial tumbleweed drift past.”

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

Latest news

Curtis Holmes: Payroll is the driver for employee engagement

Payroll has long been treated as a back-office necessity: essential, but not something that shapes culture or drives engagement. This no longer stands.

Labour market yet to show major AI impact on jobs, govt adviser says

A government economic adviser has challenged predictions of widespread AI-driven unemployment, arguing labour market data has yet to show disruption.

Young workers ‘pressured into signing NDAs after workplace injuries’

Workers say injuries are being hidden behind confidentiality agreements while financial pressures leave many afraid to challenge unsafe conditions.

CIPD recognises 30 HR leaders driving change across UK workplaces

The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising senior people leaders whose work has delivered measurable impact across organisations and workforces.
- Advertisement -

Brits dream of being their own boss, but still cling to the monthly pay cheque, survey reveals

Britons say they like the idea of self-employment, but most still value the security and stability of traditional jobs.

AI Coaching Won’t Replace Managers. It Will Expose Coaching Debt.

As AI coaching expands, employers may gain a clearer view of where manager support is falling short.

Must read

Susan Evans: All change

The government has announced another additional bank holiday, this...

Amanda Childs: Overcoming cognitive overload in the modern workplace

In today's dynamic business landscape, the challenges faced by professionals are multifaceted and demanding, says Amanda Childs.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you