Workers say drinking with colleagues after a productive day at work is becoming less appealing.

The "Happy Hour" Norm

According to two studies by JAMA Psychiatry conducted in 2001-2002 and 2012-2013, Americans have increasingly relied on alcohol over the past two decades, showing an 11% increase in the number within a year. High-risk drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks per day at least once a week for women and five or more for men, rose by 30%. Specifically, women saw an increase of nearly 16%, while Asian Americans experienced a rise of almost 30%.

During this period, more women entered the workforce, leading to more after-work drinking due to increased stress and workload from balancing home and work responsibilities. Many individuals feel compelled to drink socially in various settings, such as after-work happy hours, dinners with friends, and gatherings at home as a means of stress relief. Moreover, this social interaction is more socially acceptable compared to substance abuse, with less stigma attached to alcohol consumption.

After-Work Activities Replacing The New "Happy Hour" Norm

A recent report by Gympass, a platform for companies to offer wellness activities to employees, suggests that exercising is now seen as the new "happy hour" for professionals.

The company studied millions of "check-ins," which show that employees are using their services, from over two million subscribers, and compiled a report called "Year in Motion," which includes data from professionals in nine industries such as finance, retail, and tech in 2023.

The Workout Trend Findings

Based on the findings, the most preferred time for employees to engage in fitness activities last year was 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., compared to 5 p.m.

Among all employees, those in the finance industry were the only ones who preferred morning workouts, particularly at 6 a.m., which was the third most popular time.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays were the least popular days for people to engage in wellness activities. Tuesday was the most popular day when people went to the gym, attended fitness classes, and used other wellness services. Wednesdays and Thursdays were the next most popular days for engaging in wellness activities.

Road to a Healthier Work Lifestyle

The move away from happy hours towards more fitness time aligns with the growing emphasis on wellness. This year, Gen Z focuses on staying healthy and changing how they view work culture. Additionally, many Americans aim to drink less in 2024, with some already giving up alcohol completely.

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When Should Workers Head to the Gym?

Experts agree that regardless of when you exercise, you're on the right track as long as you're committed to incorporating physical activity into your busy schedule.

The American Heart Association suggests the following:

• At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) per week of moderate-intensity activity; or
• Seventy-five minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

Morning Warriors

Fitness experts and doctors suggest that individuals in this group could gain an all-day energy boost by exercising early in the morning. Moreover, your body might be more primed to burn fat in the morning when there's less sugar in your system to burn through initially. The mental benefits of an early morning workout are often praised for clearing your mind and starting the day positively, which is why most Fortune 500 CEOs reportedly work out in the morning, as stated by www.fastcompany.com. However, a more thorough warm-up in the morning is advised to prevent injuries.

Evening Champions

Physicians say that your body may be better equipped to handle a sweat or strength-training session when you've been active throughout the day. Additionally, you have more energy from meals and snacks consumed throughout the day to fuel your workout and keep your energy levels up.

Exercising too close to bedtime can be problematic. According to helpguide.org, it's recommended to time moderate or vigorous workouts at least three hours before bedtime. However, research indicates that any exercise can improve your sleep quality and provide the rest your body requires.

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