Celebrate Dry July at work with our top tips that won’t make you tipsy

Turn Dry July into a month of wellness, camaraderie, and charity at work.

After all the stress and celebrations that mark the end-of-financial-year, July brings with it a unique opportunity to take a pause and reflect.

Dry July is not just about abstaining from alcohol for the month. It’s about promoting the benefits of reduced alcohol consumption, raising funds for people affected by cancer, and celebrating healthy living at the workplace. 

Here’s how you can make Dry July a memorable experience for everyone at work.

What is Dry July?

For those who might not be familiar, Dry July is a not-for-profit cause that runs annually in July. It challenges people and teams to abstain from drinking alcohol for the month to support people affected by cancer and to experience some great health benefits.

Dry July benefits

• Improved mental health and sleep quality
• Increase in energy levels
• Improved personal relationships with loved ones
• Better concentration and performance at home and at work
• Reduced risk of long-term health problems including cancer, liver and heart disease
• More money saved

Convinced? You can sign up your workplace here and enjoy the Dry July benefits as a team.

Bring the spirit of Dry July to work without the spirits

Think of Dry July at work as a month-long festival that promotes wellness, unity and philanthropy. These events not only promote the spirit of Dry July but can also encourage a fun, team-building atmosphere in the office.

• Mocktail competition: Host a mocktail-making contest where staff can bring in their favourite non-alcoholic drink recipes.
• Morning tea: Have a themed Dry July morning tea, with a range of herbal teas, coffee, and healthy snacks.
• Install a juice bar: Consider installing a juice bar or machine for the month of July, where staff can make their own fresh juices or smoothies.
• Wellness workshops: Arrange wellness workshops or sessions that emphasise the benefits of reducing alcohol intake and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
• Fitness challenges: Promote healthy living with a fitness challenge. This could be a step challenge, a yoga class, or any other physical activity that can be done in the office or remotely.
• Dry July-themed lunch: Organise a catered lunch with a variety of healthy options. This could include fresh salads, wraps, and fruit platters to keep everyone refreshed and energised.
• Healthy recipe swap: Encourage staff to bring in their favourite healthy recipes to swap with colleagues to promote a culture of healthy eating.
• Healthy potluck: Organise a healthy potluck where staff bring in a healthy dish to share. 
• Dry July pledge wall: Create a pledge wall where staff can share their commitment to going alcohol-free for the month and the reasons why they are participating.

Dry July fundraiser ideas

Dry July is also a great opportunity to raise funds for cancer research, support and prevention. Here are some engaging fundraising ideas:

• Organise a Dry July-themed morning tea or lunch: Collect donations for every plate served. You can even ask your team to bring in their favourite healthy dish or baked goods to sell.
• Employee pledge: Set up a platform where employees can make their Dry July donation pledges and share their experiences.
• Company-matched donations: Show your company’s commitment to the cause by pledging to match employee donations up to a certain amount.
• Virtual lunch/dinner parties: Host a virtual meal where remote employees can show off their healthy dishes and non-alcoholic beverages.

Catering ideas for a successful Dry July at work

While catering during Dry July might seem like a daunting task, with our vast network of over 1,000 corporate caterers across Australia, we have you covered. Here are a few mouth-watering and healthy options to consider:

• Vegetarian/vegan platters: Colourful and nutrient-dense, vegetarian and vegan meals from caterers like the Nagev in Adelaide offer a great way to keep your team nourished and satisfied.
• Fresh juice and smoothie bars: Keep the team refreshed and hydrated with a variety of freshly squeezed juices and smoothies. For a real treat, check out Charlie & Franks Catering in Sydney.
• Wholesome wraps and sandwiches: Opt for a variety of wraps and sandwiches filled with lean proteins, fresh vegetables and tasty spreads. Holistic Hospitality in Brisbane has a wide array of options to choose from and can cater to many different dietary requirements.
• Healthy sweet treats: Indulge the team's sweet tooth with healthy desserts such as protein balls, fruit skewers or raw treats.
• Tea and coffee stations: While alcohol is off the menu, premium tea and coffee are not! Set up a station with a variety of herbal teas and quality coffee. If you’re running low, we can help boost your kitchen staples.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Make sure everyone feels included at events with some non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits. Check out Vintage Cellars, Red Bottle, and Shorty’s Liquor for a wide selection.

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