And as alcohol consumption across the UK spirals in the run up to Christmas, 16% of UK workers say that their office Christmas party isn’t inclusive of non-Christian religious or belief systems, Resource Solution’s latest Workplace Inclusivity Report* reveals. 

Regionally, Londoners feel the most pressure to drink alcohol (58%), compared to 17% in Yorkshire and Humber. At 18%, more women reported feeling increased pressure to drink – despite not drinking normally at all - compared to 13% of men.

Coral Bamgboye, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Robert Walter’s Group, the parent company of Resource Solutions, said: “Sadly, 16% of UK workers feel that their work social events, including Christmas parties, are not inclusive of other religions or belief systems. While the official religion of the UK is Christianity, we are a multi-cultural nation and there are lots of ways employers can celebrate a great year together in a more inclusive way.

“As the majority of the younger workforce revealed that they feel pressure to drink alcohol at work events, compared to 16% of those aged 45-54, employers should be mindful not to create an environment that is solely focused on alcohol - for example, a trip to the pub – but on activities that are inclusive. This is particularly important as we know many generations are making more health-conscious lifestyle choices and sometimes choosing to avoid alcohol entirely.”

Noting that dozens of non-Christian religious festivals and holidays take place throughout the year, just over a third (34%) of UK workers feel their employer is supportive of staff taking time off to celebrate or mark non-Christian religious festivals and holidays, within their annual leave allowance. More shockingly, 12% say their employer is not supportive, and that requests for leave to celebrate or mark non-Christian days are unlikely to be granted, or that they are required to work regardless.

Coral added: “The fact that more than one in 10 UK workers have unsupportive employers when it comes to approving requests for annual leave to mark a non-Christian holiday is appalling.

“This year, 53% of UK workers do not expect their employer to arrange a Christmas work party and, unsurprisingly, almost a third (30%) of London workers stated not celebrating Christmas as the reason for not wanting an end-of-year work social. There are many ways to keep the festivities inclusive, and it’s important that this is appropriately considered and communicated so that everyone in the company has something to look forward to.”

Last month, Resource Solutions launched its pioneering service RS Consultancy which comprises nine consultancy services underpinned by global research, academic data and over 25 years’ experience. Aimed at building long-term employer brand and credibility for clients as a new era of environmental and social change unfolds, several of the new services will help clients address and overcome challenges highlighted by the survey findings including ESG, Brand & Experience and HR Advisory.