What we covered in our chat
In this episode of the Well Workplaces podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kathryn Elliott, the Alcohol Mindset Coach, about a topic that resonates with many of us - rethinking our relationship with alcohol. During this conversation, Kath spoke about the impacts of alcohol and how we can support employee wellbeing by fostering healthier workplace cultures that are not centred around drinking.
Why Kath chose an alcohol-free lifestyle
Kath shared her personal journey, reflecting on how, despite embracing healthy habits like meditation, yoga, and clean eating, her weekend binge drinking created a disconnect between her values and her actions. "I was practicing meditation and yoga and drinking my green juices," Kath said, "but on the weekends, I was binge drinking and having blowouts." This misalignment sparked her decision to re-evaluate her drinking habits and ultimately commit to an alcohol-free lifestyle. For Kath, it wasn’t about demonising alcohol but about living in a way that genuinely supported her wellbeing.
The impact of alcohol on health and wellbeing
Our conversation explored the broader impact alcohol can have, not only on physical health but also on mental and emotional wellbeing. Kath highlighted how drinking — even if it's not daily — can affect sleep, mood, and overall energy levels, often more than we realise. "Any of us that are drinking regularly," Kath explained, "we're impacting our health in some way. It’s important to understand that." Being 'high-functioning' doesn’t mean alcohol isn't quietly holding us back from being our best selves.
Supporting high-performing professionals
One of the most powerful parts of our chat was when Kath spoke about the work she does with high-performing professionals — lawyers, tech entrepreneurs, and sales leaders — who recognise that their drinking habits, particularly binge drinking, are creating a barrier to their personal and professional growth. "A lot of my clients have been drinking in the way they have been for a long period of time," Kath said. "They’ve often started binge drinking as teenagers, and their workplace culture has enabled that pattern to continue."
How you can foster a healthier drinking culture
This discussion highlights the vital role workplaces play in shaping drinking culture. Kath stressed the importance of offering alcohol-free events or morning gatherings where the focus isn’t on drinking but on connection and wellbeing. "There are lots more workplaces now saying, 'We're not going to have alcohol at that event' or 'We'll have events in the morning with coffees and juices,'" she shared. These subtle shifts create more inclusive environments and support employees who may be rethinking their relationship with alcohol.
Kath also shared other ways you can support your people by:
Promoting mental health initiatives that address alcohol use and its impact.
Providing resources or workshops, like those Kath offers, to open up conversations about drinking habits.
Creating a culture where employees feel safe to choose not to drink without fear of judgment.
Personal reflections and social pressures
I also shared my own experience of staying alcohol-free while training for a my recent fitness goal, navigating work Christmas parties, and the social pressure that can still come even in your 40s to “just have one.” It was a great reminder of how important it is to stay aligned with what truly matters to us.
What brings Kath joy in her alcohol-free lifestyle
To wrap up, Kath shared that hiking and getting out into nature is her go-to for wellbeing, with plans to explore New Zealand next. "I always try and plan some form of outdoor hike each and every year," she said. It was a perfect way to end the chat — reinforcing that there’s so much joy and fulfillment to be found in living a life that reflects our values.
If you’re curious about exploring your own relationship with alcohol — or looking for ways to foster a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture — this is an episode worth tuning into.
Written by Tom Bosna
March 2025