Leading Corporate Change: NA Promotes Safety and Inclusivity

Featured in Photo: Visionary Leaders in Change - Jenna Estlick, Jenny Kriha, Kelly Davis, Chris Dardis, Kim Gabriels, Kevin Vig, John Naughtin and Jeannette Grace with Cate and Jen.

Zero Proof Insights | The Need for More NA Options in Corporate Culture
Written by Cate Faulkner

Introduction: Versique's Commitment to Excellence

Versique, Minneapolis' premier recruiting firm, delivers top-tier talent through interim, direct hire, and executive search services across diverse sectors. Renowned for pairing businesses with motivated, impact-driven candidates, Versique champions a collaborative and supportive work culture.

Uniting Leaders & Creating Extraordinary Workplaces

On Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, a remarkable event unfolded at Versique HQ. Their Interim Solutions team hosted an event for business leaders driven by their passion for creating extraordinary workplaces. It catered to top-tier leaders from HR departments of corporations headquartered in the Twin Cities. (Note: The Minneapolis market ranks as the #8 market with Fortune 500 Headquarters in 2023.) The event brought together 45 influential figures from the realms of HR, finance, and business to connect, inspire, and share experiences that bridge industries and professions.

A Toast to Wellness and Inclusivity with NA Beverages

Kelly Davis, Director of Client Partnerships, HR Interim Solutions at Versique, invited Zero Proof Collective to offer NA beverages at this event, highlighting the firm's commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusive options. Our engagement wasn't limited to service; we had the opportunity to speak to the group about the importance and significance of intentional NA beverage offerings at all corporate gatherings where beverages are served.

Chris Dardis' Warm Embrace of NA Options

At the event, Chris Dardis, President of Interim Solutions at Versique, was incredibly welcoming and expressed sincere interest in our work. He shared his personal experiences with alcohol, noting a decrease in consumption as he and his wife become busier with their children's activities.

Chris was particularly drawn to the term "elevated," finding it apt for something unique, and intriguing ingredients. He thoroughly enjoyed the Beekeeper's Secret NA cocktail made low in sugar and calories with Abstinence Cape Floral Botanical Spirits along with cocktail mix of lemon juice & honey topped with sparkling water and a lemon garnish.

Leadership Endorsement: A Ripple Effect

As a testament to his leadership, Chris greeted guests at the door, holding a Beekeeper's Secret, using the term "elevated" to describe it, and encouraging them to try one. It was affirming to watch guests arrive, set down their belongings, and make a beeline for our section of the long buffet table, passing by the the food and alcoholic beverages. Our NA cocktail became a focal point thanks to Chris's genuine endorsement.

The Power of a Positive Introduction

The connection between Chris's personal welcome and the guests' choices was clear and compelling, underscoring the impact of a positive and inclusive introduction. As a result, we served 51 elevated NA cocktails!

Jeannette Grace's Insights on Team Brilliance

Keynote speaker, Jeannette Grace, renowned for her seminal work "The G Factor," imparted her wisdom on nurturing team brilliance and the crucial gravitational factors that attract success. Boasting two decades of expertise in communication and developmental training, she underscored the necessity for psychological safety and the dismantling of communication barriers to foster engagement, teamwork, and credible leadership. Her talk was a masterclass in elevating workplace dynamics.

A Call to Mindful Corporate Engagement

Jeannette Grace posed two compelling questions to the group:

1) "Do you know that more than half of your employees are currently looking for another job? Let me say that again, yes, according to a recent Gallup poll, over half of your employees are considering leaving your company!"

2) Did you know that 82% of employees value being seen as a WHOLE PERSON, changing from 'professional' to 'HUMAN'?

Both questions are eye-openers, emphasizing the already substantial arguments for the inclusion of elevated adult nonalcoholic beverage choices at corporate functions—in ample supply.

The Disconnect in Corporate Beverage Choices

The current rarity of such offerings cannot be overstated. Case in point, I was recently informed of a corporation that installed a kombucha tap alongside beer in their community kitchen, which was promptly depleted due to popularity. The subsequent decision to switch back to beer due to cost, dismissing the healthy alternative, is baffling. It starkly contradicts the goal of empowering employees to excel and evolve into their best selves.

Reflecting on Corporate Culture and Alcohol's Place

Reflecting on the success of Versique's pivotal gathering, one might be drawn in two different directions. In a landscape where forging personal connections, sparking inspiration, and uniting diverse industries are at the forefront, it's striking that corporate America still leans on alcohol as a social facilitator. Alcohol can act as a barrier to authentic dialogue and may unravel the very relationships it's meant to strengthen. Alcohol raises significant safety concerns and its overconsumption contradicts the very essence of credible leadership. By providing elevated nonalcoholic beverage options in addition to the alcohol, it illuminates the true spirit of connection, which lies in inclusivity and conscious choices.

The Shift Toward Mindful Beverage Choices

Then, I am inspired by the clear shift toward mindful beverage choices among the corporate leaders that day. This event is a beacon for the future of corporate culture—one where wellness, inclusivity, and elevated experiences are not just welcomed but celebrated. The enthusiastic reception of our adult NA beverages signals a promising horizon, one where every corporate event can be a showcase for the sophistication and appeal of NA options, fostering a more inclusive and thoughtful business community.

Conclusion: Elevating the Corporate Drinking Experience

Heartfelt thanks to Kelly Davis for her infectious enthusiasm and seasoned expertise that were instrumental at this event. Having previously worked together, Kelly and Jen brought a depth of experience to advocating for the positive influence of Adult NA beverage options at corporate gatherings. This event at Versique elevated the corporate drinking experience to new heights and has set a gold standard for mindful corporate engagement as it relates to drinking.