Recent survey of NI workers finds after-work socialising is on the decline

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Recent survey of NI workers finds after-work socialising is on the decline – and majority would like to see it return

While Northern Ireland people love to spend time with friends, the tradition of going out with co-workers after work may be becoming a thing of the past. Recent research carried out by Translink suggests after-work socialising may have been a casualty of the recession.

According to the results from Translink’s recent survey of a sample of Northern Ireland workers, 61% think socialising with co-workers after hours has declined in the last three years.

While one could guess the results are due to busy home lives, 68% of those surveyed said they would like to socialise with their colleagues more often. Respondents said they think socialising benefits their organisations because it allows workers to get to know their co-workers better (84%) and it boosts morale (71%).

When asked why socialising after work is on the decline, respondents noted family commitments (51%) and crazy work schedules (40%), but more than 38% of survey respondents said they worry about what they’re going to do with their car as they might not be able to drive home after a night out.

Lynda Shannon, Communications Manager, Translink, said it was interesting to learn how Northern Ireland workers’ socialising habits have changed and that travel can be a barrier for some to enjoying an evening out with co-workers.

“From our perspective we were surprised to see just how much being tied to the car gave you less freedom and in fact featured as one of the bigger obstacles to socialising after work,” Lynda said. “Deciding how to get home shouldn’t be an issue for people as the train or bus could be the best option. While it does takes a little bit of pre-planning ahead of time to check bus and train time, our Journey Planner app makes it easy for people to find the best bus and train options home. Passengers can also get fare information on our website, web chat or call our contact centre so they know exactly what a journey will cost and the money they’ll save taking public transport.

“As we head toward the festive Christmas season, we will also be offering additional capacity at busy times. We are encouraging more co-workers to get together and try a break from the car and use public transport to get home from after-work events or holiday parties this year.”

But socialising isn’t on the decline at every office as some organisations already encourage employees to spend time with each other after hours. Allstate NI, for example, has an award-winning Work Life Balance and Benefits programme that includes thriving Sports and Social Committees for each of their offices in Belfast, L’Derry and Strabane.

Rose Kelly, VP and CAO at Allstate Northern Ireland, said:

“One of the main foundations of Allstate NI’s success has been its unique blend of competitive foresight and organisational culture, which is rooted in the principles of flexibility, work life balance and the societal nature of work. As a company we actively encourage employees to socialise outside of working hours, whether that be by playing a team sport or at regular social events like our annual summer BBQ. Allstate NI promotes a lifestyle, not just a job and this strategic commitment to employee health and wellbeing, not only improves the health of employees, but contributes positively to productivity, quality, work motivation, job satisfaction and thereby to the overall quality of life for all employees.”

Rose went on to say that the company promotes use of public transportation among their employees wherever they are headed, including to and from sports or social events.

“As one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland, Allstate NI accepts an obligation to help minimise its impact upon the environment,” Rose continued. “Our efforts to reduce CO2 output by business travel and employee commuting mean employees can avail of the Translink TaxSmart scheme, saving up to 48% on their bus travel, as well as 12 month interest free loan to purchase their Translink Annual Commuter cards for the trains.”

And it’s not just Allstate NI that thinks socialising with co-workers is a good idea. Dr Michele Kavanagh, Assistant Course Director, Queen’s University School of Psychology, said building relationships with co-workers and promoting happiness within offices is crucial.

“Organisations strategically committed to promoting the wellbeing of its staff need to consider opportunities that gather co-workers and colleagues together,” Michele said. “Being able to talk with each other, having time together, showing appreciation and having a sense of being committed to each other are among some of the key processes that sustain resilience and wellness in teams.”

Thinking of organising an evening out with your co-workers? Find bus and rail timetables and all you need to know about Translink’s services at translink.co.uk