Janice has been in sales for over 40 years.
When she started her career, she would take her male customers out for lunch to a restaurant of their choice.
They usually chose the strip climb. Janet would have to sit there and watch women strip while eating prime rib and potatoes.
Her customers also drank a lot. Sometimes they became belligerent and aggressive. Janet would scoff, pull them together, pay the bill, and they would leave. Pretend it didn’t happen. And do it all again next week.
Why did her customers want to scarf down lunch at a strip club?
They went to see naked women and drink beer.
Janet explained her male customers couldn’t go to a strip joint on their credit card; their spouse would find out. It was there dirty little secret. It built a bond that was impenetrable by other salespeople.
Janet was a top salesperson. She kept her customers’ indiscretions a secret and built up an impressive sales portfolio.
Times have changed a lot.
Many organizations now limit alcohol consumption during work hours. They also limit the distraction of naked women.
Workplaces have had to tighten up there routines and protocol. Perhaps one contractor came to work drunk, and now People frown on alcohol at work. They had to set rules. One person mistake impacted everyone.
Health & safety is a top priority in most workplaces.
Today the Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the obligation employers have to maintain safe environments.
Alcohol causes a loss of productivity, absenteeism, safety concerns and other bad behaviour. It is known to affect judgement and physical coordination. It can harm your company image and customer relationships.
When I’m a keynote speaker at corporate events, I chose not to drink. Alcohol and public speaking don’t go hand in hand.
A little research shows, every organization has a different policy when it comes to alcohol during a work event, or during the workday.
When companies pick up a meal charge, many people ask to have alcohol on a separate bill. It’s their policy not to pay for a drink. Other organizations are much more lenient. In fact, for some companies, alcohol is a part of their culture. It flows loosely when they entertain or take clients for lunch. It helps them build relationships; it helps them get sales.
The process of determining when and how much employees can drink during work can be daunting. However, it’s essential to act to prevent problems before they occur.
No alcohol policy or a lenient alcohol policy can be a recipe for disaster.
Alcohol Impact on Corporate Morale
Employers have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe working environment. Alcohol impairs judgement and impacts individuals safety as well as a team. Drinking too much or at the wrong time can have adverse consequences. Anyone operating machinery or equipment should not be under the influence. However, I have seen organizations where it’s forbidden to drink in one department but acceptable in another. The rules are inconsistent, and it creates resentment.
Also heavy drinking the night before a shift can still impact judgement the next day.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream within a few minutes of consumption. It is carried to all parts of the body, including the brain. It takes a healthy liver about one hour to break down and remove one unit of alcohol( the equivalent of a small glass of wine).
Banning alcohol altogether during work functions ( or the workday) may backfire, mainly if people are used to it. However, educating people about the effects of alcohol can be helpful. Most people decide to drink every day in their personal lives. Extend that judgement to the workplace with a few policies to clarify expectations.
The hardest part of any policy is consistently enforcing it. Also, a policy has to be fair and equitably applied. If people feel mistreated, it creates resentment. Open discussions around alcohol and its impact can boost morale. It’s when policies are unclear or inconsistent that it creates resentment. Nothing improves when you pretend its not a problem. Helping teams understand alcohol, and it impacts on their judgement, and related policies will clear the air.
A safe and healthy workplace is a priority for all team members. It’s linked to all aspects of fulfilling work. The process of protecting workers from harm positively impact morale. Teams know organizations that care about safety care about them. They don’t have to fret over safe workplaces; they can free their energy up to focus on productive work. Health promotion is shown to reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, create a safe work environment and create a sense of well being.
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# Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence and
Innovation
## A Brief History of Harvard University
Founded in 1636, **Harvard University** is the oldest and one
of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the
United States. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard has
built a global reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and influential alumni.
From its humble beginnings as a small college established to educate clergy, it has evolved into a world-leading university that shapes the future across various
disciplines.
## Harvard’s Impact on Education and Research
Harvard is synonymous with **innovation and intellectual leadership**.
The university boasts:
– **12 degree-granting schools**, including the renowned **Harvard Business School**, **Harvard Law School**, and **Harvard Medical School**.
– **A faculty of world-class scholars**, many of whom
are Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and pioneers
in their fields.
– **Cutting-edge research**, with Harvard leading initiatives in artificial intelligence, public health, climate change, and more.
Harvard’s contribution to research is immense, with billions of dollars
allocated to scientific discoveries and technological advancements each
year.
## Notable Alumni: The Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
Harvard has produced some of the **most influential figures** in history, spanning politics, business,
entertainment, and science. Among them are:
– **Barack Obama & John F. Kennedy** – Former U.S.
Presidents
– **Mark Zuckerberg & Bill Gates** – Tech visionaries (though Gates did not graduate)
– **Natalie Portman & Matt Damon** – Hollywood icons
– **Malala Yousafzai** – Nobel Prize-winning activist
The university continues to cultivate future leaders who shape industries and drive global progress.
## Harvard’s Stunning Campus and Iconic Library
Harvard’s campus is a blend of **historical charm and
modern innovation**. With over **200 buildings**, it features:
– The **Harvard Yard**, home to the iconic
**John Harvard Statue** (and the famous “three lies” legend).
– The **Widener Library**, one of the largest university
libraries in the world, housing **over 20 million volumes**.
– State-of-the-art research centers, museums, and performing arts venues.
## Harvard Traditions and Student Life
Harvard offers a **rich student experience**, blending academics with vibrant traditions, including:
– **Housing system:** Students live in one of 12 residential houses, fostering a strong sense of community.
– **Annual Primal Scream:** A unique tradition where
students de-stress by running through Harvard Yard before finals!
– **The Harvard-Yale Game:** A historic football rivalry that unites alumni and students.
With over **450 student organizations**, Harvard students
engage in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from entrepreneurship to performing arts.
## Harvard’s Global Influence
Beyond academics, Harvard drives change in **global policy, economics, and technology**.
The university’s research impacts healthcare, sustainability, and artificial intelligence,
with partnerships across industries worldwide. **Harvard’s endowment**, the largest of
any university, allows it to fund scholarships, research, and
public initiatives, ensuring a legacy of impact for generations.
## Conclusion
Harvard University is more than just a school—it’s a
**symbol of excellence, innovation, and leadership**. Its **centuries-old traditions, groundbreaking discoveries, and
transformative education** make it one of the most influential institutions in the world.
Whether through its distinguished alumni, pioneering research, or vibrant student life, Harvard continues to shape the future in profound ways.
Would you like to join the ranks of Harvard’s legendary scholars?
The journey starts with a dream—and an application!
https://www.harvard.edu/