A topic that is usually preferred to be whispered about unexpectedly came up in a live broadcast on Latvijas Radio 1. Director of the State Chancellery Raivis Kronbergs candidly assessed what has long been an unspoken part of the office culture in government institutions - the consumption of alcohol in the workplace.
"This is already history. Today, no one in government institutions stays late at work just to drink," he stated.
How It Used to Be
Kronbergs reminded that there was once a practice in government structures to "stay after working hours" to celebrate a successful deal, discuss matters, or simply unwind. It all happened quietly, in closed offices, because "there was nowhere else to go."
That era, he said, has long since ended.
Today the Picture Is Different
The head of the Chancellery emphasizes: people now have the opportunity to spend time after work in a civilized manner - outside the institution.
Cafés, wine bars, small bistros, and terraces - the choice is vast, and there is no need to turn workspaces into improvised clubs.
"There are places to go on every corner. Why do it secretly at the workplace?"
Kronbergs also clarified that no one installs breathalyzers in government institutions because there is simply no need - the culture of behavior has changed.
Why Has This Topic Come Up Now?
The discussion arose against the backdrop of several recent cases in the private sector, as well as public discourse on how sobriety and ethics of behavior are related to the quality of public administration. Video discussions and inquiries from journalists have once again raised the question of what the real practice is in government institutions.
Kronbergs assures that today the civil service strives for transparency and modern standards of behavior. And secret toasts in office spaces are no longer part of this culture.
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