Dry January moves from personal reset to workplace issue

• Key Insight: Discover how Dry January reframes alcohol pauses into broader workplace well-being strategy.  
• What's at Stake: Persisting office drinking norms threaten inclusion, productivity, and burnout mitigation.  
• Supporting Data: Millions of Americans participate in 30-day alcohol pauses each January.  
• Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

As millions of Americans swear off alcohol during Dry January, the monthlong reset has evolved beyond a personal New Year's resolution into a broader conversation about health, work culture and well-being. 
Once framed as a temporary detox after the holidays, Dry January is increasingly viewed by health experts and employers as an opportunity for reflection — not just on drinking habits, but on sleep, stress, productivity and inclusion in the workplace.

"For the person that is doing the mindful pause and they're realizing they're sleeping better, their weight is better and their energy is better — that's going to translate into a better work environment and better work productivity," says Dr. Sherma Morton, national medical director at Eleanor Health Care.

The annual pause from alcohol has gained traction in offices and organizations that are rethinking traditional "happy hour" culture and looking for more inclusive ways to promote wellness. Advocates say the goal is less about abstinence and more about awareness, encouraging people to examine how alcohol fits into their daily routines and how changes — even temporary ones — can affect how they feel at home and at work.

In a recent conversation with Employee Benefit News, Morton  explains what people commonly experience when they take a 30-day break from alcohol, and how workplace leaders can normalize conversations around alcohol use. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

What are some of the health benefits that people typically see when they take a month off from alcohol?

The first thing you'll see is better sleep. People also report better skin, better weight control, better mental health. People even say that their gym workouts get better because they're just feeling a lot better. 

How should employers communicate about Dry January without stigmatizing alcohol use or recovery?

There are EAP programs that allow people to get the help they need anonymously. We can also do socials that don't involve alcohol, that not only help people who are trying to take that mindful pause but also for people who are in recovery or pregnant. It allows more inclusion in the workplace.

Read more: As addiction rates soar, employers can offer a lifeline

What should HR leaders know about the connection between alcohol use, burnout and workplace stress?

Burnout and workplace stress are hand in hand. If people are so burned out because they are stressed and by the time they get home the only thing they can think about is drinking, then you see the cycle. You can change the narrative at work where you're actually trying to help people deal with burnout and decrease the amount of work that people are having, creating a much more supportive work environment that allows people to not want to self medicate.

Read more: How to help employees manage alcohol abuse and get the help they need

How can employers normalize conversations about alcohol use without increasing stigmatization? 

Employers can normalize it by having times where people talk about it. It's not something that is a secret. People are afraid to get the care that they need because they're worried that their employer is going to find out that they're getting alcohol treatment, but it's part of your insurance and HIPAA covers you. It's important that you have the care that you need  — we want you to have a well-rounded life. 

Should employers treat Dry January as a population health initiative or an individual wellness choice?

It really depends on the employer. For hospital systems, we're going to look at it that way, because we're trying to increase health care outcomes by decreasing alcohol use. The bottom line is you being better helps them too. You just need to prioritize the well-being of the people that work for you.