The Ups and Downs of After-Work Socials for Small Businesses

Right, let’s talk about something loads of small business owners wonder about – after-work socials. You know the ones. A few drinks after a long day, maybe a team quiz night, or even a bit of bowling. Some people love them. Some people would rather run for the hills. But are they actually good for your business? Or are they just a drain on time, money, and energy?

In this blog, we’ll go through the good bits, the not-so-good bits, and what to keep in mind if you’re thinking of getting your team together outside of work hours.

What Are After-Work Socials, Anyway?

After-work socials are events where workmates get together for something fun after the working day is done. Could be as simple as grabbing a pint at the pub, going bowling, or something a bit fancier like axe throwing (yep, it’s a thing now). The point is, it’s not about work – it’s about hanging out, having a laugh, and getting to know the people you work with on a more personal level.

The Good Stuff: Why After-Work Socials Can Be Brilliant

1. Team Bonding

Let’s start with the obvious one. Socials help people bond. When you’re not stuck behind your desk or rushing to meet deadlines, you can actually talk to your co-workers like real people. That makes it easier to work together during the day. You learn who’s got a wicked sense of humour, who’s surprisingly good at karaoke, and who makes the best pub quiz captain. All that builds trust and a better team vibe.

2. Better Communication at Work

When people know each other outside of work, they’re more likely to communicate well during the 9 to 5. It’s not just about chatting – it’s about being able to raise issues, share ideas, and get things sorted without all the awkwardness. After-work socials can break down some of those “work walls” and help things flow more smoothly back in the office or workshop.

3. A Chance to Unwind

Running a small business is full-on. Same goes for working in one. After-work socials give everyone a chance to relax, de-stress, and blow off steam in a positive way. That can help with mental health and make people feel more valued. It’s a bit of fun that shows you care about more than just hitting targets.

4. Boosting Morale

Let’s be honest – work can be tough sometimes. Especially if you’re in a small team juggling loads of roles. A fun social now and again can lift everyone’s spirits. It gives people something to look forward to and can make a dull week feel that bit brighter.

5. Helps New Starters Feel Welcome

If someone’s just joined the team, socials can be a brilliant way to help them settle in. It’s a bit less intense than chucking them into a busy work day and hoping they sink or swim. A relaxed social event gives them a chance to chat, ask questions, and feel like part of the gang.

The Not-So-Great Bits: Why After-Work Socials Aren’t for Everyone

1. Not Everyone Likes Socialising

This one’s a biggie. Some people just don’t enjoy social events – especially with workmates. It might be because they’re shy, they’ve got social anxiety, they’re just knackered after work or even that they are a carer and can’t find any help to cover for the event. And that’s okay. Forcing people to take part or making them feel guilty if they don’t come can actually do more harm than good.

2. Costs Can Add Up

Even if you keep things simple, the costs can stack up fast. Drinks, food, transport – it all adds to the business budget. If you’re footing the bill for your team, you’ve got to make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford, and also be aware of tax and NI implications (talk to your accountant about the tax rules if you don’t fully understand the previous link to the HMRC site). And if staff have to pay their own way, that can put people off joining in too.

3. Work-Life Balance Gets Blurred

After-work events can be great, but they’re still taking up people’s personal time. If your team’s already working long hours, asking them to stick around for a few more in the name of “fun” can feel a bit off. Some people might rather go home, see their family, walk the dog, or just crash on the sofa – and that’s fair enough.

4. It Can Be Awkward

Let’s be real. Work socials can get awkward. There’s always a risk someone says something inappropriate after a couple of drinks, or there’s an uncomfortable vibe because of workplace tensions. And if someone doesn’t get invited, or feels left out, that can cause even more problems.

5. It Might Not Work for Everyone

If your team is made up of different ages, cultures, or personalities, finding something that suits everyone is tricky. A loud bar might be great for one person and a nightmare for someone else. If you keep doing the same thing every time, you could end up making some people feel excluded.

How to Get the Balance Right

So, with all that in mind, how do you make after-work socials work for your small business? Here are a few ideas that might help:

1. Make It Optional

This one’s a must. Always make socials optional. Nobody should feel pressured to join in, and nobody should get judged if they’d rather not. A “come if you fancy it” vibe is much better than “you’re not a team player if you skip it.”

2. Ask for Ideas

Don’t guess what your team wants – ask them. You could do a quick poll or just bring it up in a team meeting. Some people might love escape rooms. Others might prefer a pizza night in the office or a walk in the park. Mix it up and try to include different interests.

3. Keep It Simple

You don’t need to spend a fortune. Sometimes the best socials are the simplest ones – a bring-your-own picnic at lunch, a board game evening, or just finishing work an hour early to grab a cuppa together. It’s the people, not the poshness, that make it work.

4. Think About Timing

After work might not work for everyone – especially if they’ve got kids, a long commute, or evening commitments. Could you do something during work hours now and then? Maybe a Friday afternoon chill-out session or a lunchtime treat (one workplace I was at took everyone out for a lunch at a local restaurant every few months)?

5. Keep It Inclusive

Watch out for stuff that might leave people out – like events that are too boozy, too loud, or not accessible. Try to plan with everyone in mind. If someone’s teetotal, for example, don’t make every event revolve around alcohol.

Should Small Businesses Bother With After-Work Socials?

At the end of the day, it depends on your team. If you’ve got a close-knit group who love spending time together, a regular social might be just the thing to keep spirits high and boost collaboration. But if your team’s a bit more mixed or people prefer to keep work and life separate, that’s totally fine too.

The key is to be thoughtful about it. Make it fun, keep it chill, and don’t overdo it. A well-timed social can be a big boost – but it shouldn’t feel like another task on the to-do list.

Final Thoughts

After-work socials can be brilliant for small businesses – but only when they’re done right. It’s all about balance. Get your team involved in the planning, make sure everyone feels welcome, and don’t forget that not everyone wants to spend more time with workmates outside of work hours – and that’s okay too.

So, whether it’s a pub night, a picnic, or a quiz in the office, keep it light, keep it fun, and most importantly – keep it optional. Cheers to that!