Beer at the office?
We recently began scheduling some regular group code reviews for our developers to do all the great things that those group learning sessions provide. One of our planning discussions began wrt whether should provide a relaxed atmosphere with beer and such so that the learning experience is well received as a growing experience and seen as less threatening to individual's pride. There were a couple of questions that arose we'd like to hear some discussion from other startups related to this idea as many of us have seen these policies work at other companies. Do you allow alcohol at work events? Only outside of business hours? We were planning Friday at 4pm-whenever at the office. We do worry about appropriateness and when it's acceptable. Do you provide the alcohol or is BYOB the better option? Liabilities with those options concern the HR/legal teams? As we began discussing, one of the biggest concerns that was brought up was the impression it may give to our potential client base (local clients with very political culture that could easily kill our ability to land solid contracts). While balancing our internal culture is important, at an early stage those client perceptions could override the topic for us (we don't want to have the rumor mill turning us into an unruly frat house). How do you balance client perceptions?
I don't see any issues with it. Just ensure that the business doesn't suffer, people don't get sloshed, and that you don't have a Zenefits situation with people getting busy in the stairwell.
Still one of the best stories I've read in a long time.
My co have events where the co provides alcohol in the office with 2 drinks tix per person. We are not to work after drinking :)
You really have to look at your values as a founder (if you are) and what you want the company's values to be. Client perceptions matter but I doubt many are going to care that you have a bit of alcohol. Hopefully everyone is an adult and it doesn't turn into a frat-like party. At my previous company and this one there is no alcohol allowed at work events or in the office.
Used to work at a startup where we had beer on tap and hard drinks on everyone's desks. There was no judgement against drinking at desk anytime of the day. People were responsible and didn't get drunk - also they didn't commit major releases post drinking sessions. We are all adults here.
As long as you all act like adults, it's fine. Drink whenever you want
Provide beer for the people or it's going to be a shitty time. Also some soda or bottled water for people who don't drink.
Having a beer or 2 while jamming through some code, e-mail or spreadsheets on a Friday is not a big deal, pretty shitty workplace otherwise
Seriously, doing that right now, bruh.
We have a beer bash every Friday at 4. Work isn't expected to be done, and usually it's BYOB, sometimes if there's a big milestone the company will sponsor and provide the beer and wine.
I work at a game studio in Austin. We have a keg that rotates. So long as everyone is responsible it works out. In our HR book is states "reasonably intoxicated" so long as I'm not bombed it's all good. Usually when we drink though it is towards the end of the day.
I don't drink but I don't mind if my colleagues drink.