New findings released at SXSW Sydney show after-work drinks have been ditched for shared experiences such as bowling or cooking.

The report by Hub Australia, the country’s largest privately-owned flexible workspace operator, shows Australians have shifted from socialising with co-workers to spending time with friends and family.

A combination of flexible work arrangements, post-pandemic habits and generational shifts has led 87% of employees to favour social time with friends outside of work.

Only 3% of employees go out for end-of-week drinks with colleagues every week, while one in five (21%) say they never do.

Instead, employees are looking for more personalised and meaningful ways to connect – with half preferring activity-based social activities such as bowling, cooking or painting, and almost one-third (30%) opting for charity or give-back activities. A further 22% would rather see alcohol-free work events become the norm.

“The data tells us that connection at work is still important – it just looks different now,” said Brad Krauskopf, CEO &
Founder of Hub Australia.

“We’ve moved past the idea that culture is built around a bar tab. Employees want experiences that feel authentic, inclusive and respectful of their lives outside of work. Businesses that fail to evolve their approach risk disengagement and a weaker sense of community.”