Coworkers Swap Happy Hour for Wellness Activities

In a more health-conscious era, the new version of post-work bonding is less about drinks and more about boosting endorphins.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As more workers embrace wellness and hybrid work schedules, the traditional happy hour is giving way to new forms of coworker bonding. Instead of gathering for drinks, colleagues are meeting up for early morning workouts, trying out rage rooms, playing pickleball, and even visiting cold plunge and sauna studios. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend toward healthier lifestyles and a desire for more authentic connections with coworkers.

Why it matters

The decline of the after-work drinks culture signals a broader shift in how people want to spend their time and connect with colleagues. In a more wellness-focused America, workers are seeking alternatives to happy hour that can foster deeper relationships while also boosting their physical and mental health.

The details

Bethany Mascena's remote work team, for example, has replaced the traditional "lobby social club" happy hour with early morning group workouts like Pilates and yoga. Kayla Merchant had a similar experience at her old law firm, where in-person fitness classes brought together employees from different departments who wouldn't have otherwise bonded. Businesses are responding to this trend, with fitness studios like Barry's and F45 seeing a surge in corporate bookings, and venues like CityPickle and Break Bar NYC offering alternative happy hour experiences centered around activities like pickleball and glass-smashing.

  • Over the past year, Mascena's remote work team has shifted from late-night drinks to early-morning workouts.
  • Merchant's law firm started offering in-person workout classes for employees around 15 years ago.

The players

Bethany Mascena

A Gen X franchise launch director who works remotely and has seen her company's social culture shift from happy hour to group workouts.

Kayla Merchant

A 39-year-old compliance manager who works remotely in Tulsa, Oklahoma and experienced in-person workout classes as a perk at her old law firm.

Candice Pokk

A senior consultant for organizational effectiveness at benefits and HR consultancy Segal, who has seen increased interest in in-person employee events.

Mary Cannon

The cofounder of CityPickle, a pickleball venue that has seen a surge in corporate bookings.

Tom Daly

The owner of Break Bar NYC, a venue that offers an alternative happy hour experience centered around glass-smashing.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of us, we weren't super close before the workout class. I'm still friends with some of the people I worked out with 15 years later.”

— Kayla Merchant, compliance manager (Business Insider)

“Younger employees are craving experiences and not just freebies.”

— Candice Pokk, senior consultant for organizational effectiveness (Business Insider)

“Happy hour isn't dead, but it has 'evolved,' with companies increasingly choosing venues that offer more than just a bar.”

— Mary Cannon, cofounder of CityPickle (Business Insider)

“People are looking at these as alternatives to getting to know someone.”

— Myles Farmer, cofounder of Othership (Business Insider)

What’s next

Othership plans to open its largest New York location on the Upper East Side next year, further expanding the availability of corporate wellness experiences.

The takeaway

The shift away from traditional happy hour reflects a broader cultural trend toward healthier lifestyles and a desire for more meaningful connections at work. By offering alternatives like group fitness classes, activity-based venues, and wellness experiences, companies are helping employees forge deeper bonds while also prioritizing their physical and mental well-being.