Lloyd's of London | Is it time to cut workplace drinking?

For many companies, alcohol is an intrinsic part of an age-old tradition. Sometimes considered ‘corporate lubricant’, discussing financial forecasts over a pint at lunch or ‘wining and dining’ a client has been the backbone of a culture that has been at the heart of the Square Mile mindset for decades.

However, things are changing and attitudes towards drinking in a professional capacity are being challenged as evidence of negative consequences mounts. A perfect example of such a shift is Lloyd’s of London.

The 331-year-old financial powerhouse, once known as the last bastion of ‘acceptable’ daytime drinking in the City of London, has now confirmed that due to recent allegations of sexual misconduct and poor employee etiquette, it will officially ban drinking within working hours – BBC reported.

The move has been a gradual one; two years ago the company banned its staff from drinking between 9am and 5pm – although it’s worth noting that the ban was only applicable to 800 of the 4,000 professionals working at Lloyd's, with others such as underwriters free to continue their daily habits unaffected.