Dry January: 12,000 alcohol-free days - employees want a repeat performance
The first Dry January Workplace Challenge in Switzerland was a complete success: 565 employees from 31 companies gave up alcohol in January. A survey shows that 94% of participants would like to see it continue. Two thirds also believe that alcohol consumption is now discussed more openly in the workplace.
31 companies took part in the first Dry January 2026 Workplace Challenge, whose 565 employees did not drink alcohol on a total of 11,759 days. The initiative enabled companies to question drinking norms in the workplace and improve the health of their employees. The playful dimension of the team competition also strengthened cohesion among the participants.
Overwhelming approval for continuation
According to an anonymous survey, an overwhelming majority of 94% of employees would like to see the Workplace Challenge continue next January. Even among individual participants who did not take part in the Workplace Challenge, curiosity is high: two thirds (69%) would like their company to carry out this challenge in the future.
«I think the campaign is very successful. It's motivating when several people in the company take part and you're not alone. This makes the challenge even bigger and you can show yourself and others that you can do it,» says one participant in the Workplace Challenge.
More open communication about alcohol consumption
Two thirds of respondents (65%) found that the taboo of talking about alcohol consumption in the workplace had been broken down. This means direct added value for the participating companies.
«Although only a few people from our company took part, the topic of alcohol - when, why and where automated/ritualized - was discussed several times during breaks, at drinks receptions, etc. and beyond the participants. This means that I have already achieved one of my goals,» explains one of the Workplace Challenge organizers.
Friends and relatives react positively to a break from alcohol (96%). Temporarily not drinking alcohol is popular in the middle of society. The idea that alcohol is the only drug that you have to apologize for not taking does not apply to Dry January.
Better sleep and more energy
More than four out of five participants (83 percent) sleep noticeably better thanks to Dry January, as the survey revealed. This confirms the medical opinion that alcohol helps you fall asleep quickly, but also reduces the quality of your sleep. This is because alcohol suppresses the REM sleep phases. So anyone who regularly sleeps badly can try a dry period - one month or even better three. After three months, the body should have regenerated. In addition, four out of five people who take a break from alcohol (80 percent) feel more energetic.
«I noticed more consciously when I was very tense inside and would normally reach for a beer or glass of wine. Instead, I drank tea or went for a walk. That felt good,» reports one of the Workplace Challenge participants.
Extension and less consumption
Four out of five Dry January participants (82%) want to extend Dry January for the time being. Almost all participants (97%) want to reduce their alcohol consumption in the future.
«It's not easy to give up alcohol on certain occasions. These are business events (drinks receptions) or a beer after training with my team-mates. I have to say that I haven't always succeeded. But I've consciously decided against it several times,» says one participant in the Workplace Challenge.
Dry Pub Crawl in Basel sold out
This year, the third Dry Pub Crawl - after Bern and Aarau - took place in Basel. Tickets sold out quickly. On this alcohol-free pub crawl, people got to know each other and people got to know Basel bars. The guests proved that it is not alcohol that creates sociability and fun.
The bars and restaurants showcased their non-alcoholic offerings. Nomad's in Basel offered a menu with 68 non-alcoholic drinks, including 13 non-alcoholic cocktails and four non-alcoholic beers as well as 51 soft drinks, lemonades, iced teas, juices, water, coffee and tea. Nobody had to go thirsty and plenty of food was also provided.
Clean Party in Lausanne
Lausanne celebrated its first Clean Party at the D! Club. The Alwarda label organized the city's first rave party without alcohol and other drugs. The event combined music and awareness with yoga sessions and breathing exercises. The result was a unique dance experience and positive vibes. Dry January supported the Clean Party and was represented at the event with a prevention stand.
