Alcohol can be used for social advantage at work by young employees and their organisations, new research from Victoria University of Wellington has found.
Master's graduate Benjamin Walker and Dr Todd Bridgman, a senior lecturer from Victoria Business School's management school, examined the influences on young people's drinking habits in a white-collar environment.
Their study involved in-depth interviews with young employees at a professional services organisation in Wellington.
Mr Walker said he was surprised to discover the extent to which alcohol featured in the workplace.
"Alcohol is commonly used to facilitate team bonding and for presenting a friendly, informal image when networking with clients. It's the way the organisation celebrates success, as well as the way new employees are inducted into the organisation.