Power lunches have long been a staple for business networking and deal-making. But is the cocktail-fueled lunch becoming a thing of the past?
A new study by Boca Recovery Center investigates the shifting dynamics of power lunches, focusing on the role of sobriety in these crucial business interactions. Drawing from a survey of 1,000 Americans, this article explores the perceptions and experiences of both professionals and clients, examining how sobriety impacts professional performance, communication, and overall outcomes during business meals.
Key Takeaways
- 31% of professionals remain sober during power lunches.
- 1 in 4 professionals feel pressured to drink during power lunches.
- About 1 in 3 professionals say skipping drinks leads to better business deals.
- 1 in 3 clients claims sober power lunches yield better business results.
Professionals’ Sobering Insights
- 31% of professionals remain sober during power lunches.
- Professional sobriety during power lunches by generation
- Baby boomers 33%:
- Gen X: 36%
- Millennials:30%
- Gen Z: 24%
- Professional sobriety during power lunches by industry:
- Government: 67%
- Entertainment: 62%
- Retail: 56%
- Energy/Utilities: 33%
- Healthcare: 27%
- Professional sobriety by job level:
- Executive leader: 44%
- Entry-level employee: 39%
- Associate: 38%
- Senior employee: 37%
- Mid-level manager: 29%
- Professional sobriety during power lunches by generation
- 1 in 4 professionals feel pressured to drink during power lunches.
- Professionals who feel most pressured to drink during power lunches by industry:
- Manufacturing: 50%
- Consulting 40%
- IT: 35%
- Transportation: 33%
- Telecommunications:33%
- Professionals who feel most pressured to drink during power lunches by job level:
- Mid-level employee: 38%
- Mid-level manager: 34%
- Senior employee: 33%
- First-level manager: 27%
- Entry-level employee: 26%
- Over 30% of Gen Z professionals feel pressured to drink during power lunches.
- Professionals who feel most pressured to drink during power lunches by industry:
- 31% of professionals feel maintaining sobriety positively impacts the outcomes of their power lunches.
- How sobriety affects power lunches from the professionals’ perspective:
- Enhances professionalism: 69%
- Increases focus and attention: 60%
- Keeps communication clear: 51%
- Improves decision-making: 49%
- Helps maintain a positive image: 42%
- 52% of professionals feel that consuming alcohol during power lunches negatively affects their professional performance.
Clients on Drinking During Power Lunches
- 23% of clients remain sober during power lunches.
- Client sobriety during power lunches by generation:
- Baby boomer: 16%
- Gen X: 28%
- Millennials: 20%
- Gen Z: 21%
- Client sobriety during power lunches by industry:
- Education: 65%
- Entertainment: 58%
- Real estate: 52%
- Construction: 51:
- IT: 50%
- Client sobriety during power lunches by generation:
- Over 20% of clients feel pressured to order an alcoholic drink when discussing business over a meal.
- 41% of consultants feel pressured to drink during power lunches.
- Gen Z clients feel the most pressured to drink during power lunches.
- 1 in 3 clients claims sober power lunches yield better business results.
- How sobriety affects power lunches from the client’s perspective:
- Enhances professionalism: 73%
- Increases focus and attention: 63%
- Keeps communication clear: 56%
- Improves decision-making: 54%
- Helps maintain a positive image: 49%
Methodology
We surveyed 800 American clients and 200 professionals to explore the perceptions of power lunches. Among clients, 52% were male, and 48% were female. Generationally, 4% were baby boomers, 22% were Gen X, 61% were millennials, and 14% were Gen Z. Among professionals, 47% were male, 52% were female, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 4% were baby boomers, 21% were Gen X, 52% were millennials, and 22% were Gen Z.
About Boca Recovery Center
Boca Recovery Center offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including medical detox, residential, outpatient, and medication-assisted therapy. Our focus is on providing the safest and most supportive environment possible for recovery from addiction.
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