Are Friday work drinks ‘dead’? How leaders can approach a new era of workplace culture

By Brad Krauskopf, HUB Australia  >>

THE TRADITIONAL FRIDAY work drinks have long been a hallmark of Australian office culture. Yet, according to Hub Australia’s latest Love Where You Work Report, only 3% of employees now attend end-of-week drinks every week, and one in five say they never participate.

Employees are also demanding more flexibility and the ability to choose their own hours, so they can enjoy the benefits of hybrid work models.

Today, workplace culture is far more than just getting along with colleagues – it’s also about having the freedom to maintain a life outside work. Unsurprisingly, 87% of employees report spending more social time with friends outside work than with colleagues.

What does this shift mean for business leaders?

Here are practical ways leaders can lean into the new era of workplace culture:

Rethink traditional social activities
Friday drinks and activities centred around alcohol are no longer the default. Experiment with new ways to build team camaraderie that align with how employees actually want to connect.

Prioritise meaningful experiences over frequency
Instead of weekly social events, focus on less frequent, high-quality experiences such as workshops, team projects, or shared learning opportunities that foster genuine engagement.

Align culture initiatives with organisational values
Use social activities to reinforce your company’s purpose, whether through charitable programs, skill-building sessions, or innovation challenges.

Recognise the impact of flexibility
Hybrid work and diverse schedules mean leaders should design connection opportunities that work for all team members, not just those in the office.

Measure the effectiveness of engagement
Track participation, feedback, and morale. Culture isn’t just feel-good – it also drives retention, productivity, and overall business performance.

Prioritise work–life balance as part of culture
Connection shouldn’t mean sacrificing personal time. Encourage boundaries and avoid scheduling social activities outside hours unless employees specifically request it.

Create meaningful workspaces

At Hub Australia, our clubhouses and workspaces are designed to prioritise wellbeing, connection, and flexibility, helping organisations create the inclusive, purposeful cultures employees are seeking. 

The future of workplace culture is about creating intentional, flexible, and values-driven ways for people to connect. Leaders who listen to their teams and prioritise meaningful experiences will build stronger, more inclusive cultures. 

www.hubaustralia.com.au

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brad Krauskopf is the CEO and founder of Hub Australia, an organisation he created to help business leaders to listen to their teams and engage them to build stronger, more inclusive and purposeful cultures that employees embrace.

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