Alcohol & Drinking Problems in the Workplace

Most people enjoy a drink or two, but few of us stop to consider the effect alcohol abuse can have in the workplace. Too often alcohol drinking problems are ignored until a crisis develops. The aim of this page is to raise the awareness of the effects of drink, promote responsible attitudes among staff and help those employees who have a drinking problem.

The cost to industry of alcohol misuse has been difficult to quantify but it has been estimated at about £3 billion a year, through accidents, reduced productivity and absenteeism. There is also the cost to the individual in terms of health, relationships and job prospects. Hangovers alone have been estimated to cost Industry between £53 and £108 million per annum. Adopting sensible drinking attitudes not only has a positive effect on your health and safety but also on work performance.

How Alcohol Problems Affect Work and the Working Environment

• Safety
  Overall in the UK, 1 in 5 accidents and over 50% of fatal work accidents in the workplace are alcohol related. A small amount of alcohol can cause a lack of co-ordination, slower reaction times, impaired eyesight and judgement, thus increasing the risk of an accident occurring.
• Relationships and Behaviours
  Relationships and behaviour can be adversely affected, leading to problems with family, friends and work colleagues. Inappropriate behaviour can be disruptive and lead to tension and frustrations. It also limits the prospects for promotion and can put the individual's job at risk.
• Absenteeism
  Over 8 million working days are lost from inappropriate drinking of alcohol, and the resultant hangover, leading to increases in the level of sickness absence. This causes disruption in the workplace.
• Productivity (work performance)
  Alcohol reduces the ability to concentrate and this affects work performance including decision-making. It also causes impaired skills, lower quality of work and lack of motivation and judgement.
• Morale
  The effects of alcohol damage staff and employee relations.
• Health
  Excessive alcohol can cause liver damage, brain damage, stomach disorders, high blood pressure, sexual and many more problems. Alcohol is a depressant and can affect moods and cause irritability often leading to sickness absence.

The Employee's Responsibilities

Every employee has a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of their colleagues. Employees should be aware of the effect alcohol can have in the workplace and the behaviour expected of them. Employees who are concerned about their drinking should discuss the problem with:

• their GP
• the Company Physician, a member of Occupational Health or a counsellor
• their Manager
• a member of Human Resources/Personnel

All employees should remember their duty to report any incidents of alcohol misuse and if someone's drinking is causing problems they should be strongly encouraged to seek advice.

Adapted from 'Taking care of alcohol issues at work' by: Dr. Michael G. McCann MD MA DIH MFOM Board of Directors, Castle Craig Hospital

How Castle Craig Hospital can help:

• Advice for the organisation and management
• Intervention
• Outpatient assessment
• Intensive treatment

For further information on Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse In the Workplace, please contact Dr. Margaret Ann McCann on 01721 725365 or email enquiries@castlecraig.co.uk