But, Klotz is quoted saying, "A lot of companies seem to assume that young people will view alcohol-based perks positively, but in reality, alcohol can be a turnoff for many applicants. These kinds of little things can play a significant role in terms of people's interest in working somewhere."

He adds, "Students preparing to enter the workforce ask a lot of questions about alcohol and job interviews and the best way to navigate those situations. And generally, people are confused about how to deal with alcohol in the workplace. Not everyone finds it appealing."

Two studies conducted by Klotz and co-author Serge da Motta Veiga of American University sought to evaluate the effects of permissive workplace norms on prospective employees' perceived fit with a company and their attraction to the company. One study presented randomly assigned students to review one of two recruitment flyers for a fictitious company, then complete a questionnaire on whether they were drawn to the company and how well they thought they might fit in. One flyer depicted employees with coffee cups, while the other depicted them with alcoholic beverages.

The second study asked them to react to a job interview scenario, in one of which a prospective coworker orders water with dinner while in the other the coworker orders an alcoholic beverage.

Both also asked subjects about their political skill—the set of social abilities that helps them effectively understand others at work, influence others in ways that enhance their own objectives and navigate social situations with confidence.

The studies revealed that those with higher levels of political skill were more likely to be comfortable at alcohol-based events, those with less political skill were less likely to see themselves as fitting in and were more drawn to the companies offering alcohol.