The Effects of Alcohol in the Workplace
Alan Kitto
One of the essential HR policies that we advise all companies to have is a policy on ‘Alcohol at Work’, covering what is and isn’t allowed and also the consequences of non-compliance. The following statistics, taken from the Willis Towers Watson Employee Health, Wellbeing and Benefits Barometer 2019, are cause for significant concern for most employers:
14% of those surveyed said they drink more than the recommended weekly amount during the working week; 3% said they drink more than 29 units during the working week, which is more than double the recommended amount.
15% said they feel pressured by colleagues to drink during the week.
16% said that they had taken at least one sick day in the last 12 months as a result of a hangover (26% of 18-24 years olds, 24% of 25-34 year olds, 21% of 35-44 year olds, 10% of 45 - 54 year olds and 6% of those aged 55+). More than half (51%) of these workers didn't admit the real reason for their absence to their employer when calling in sick.
27% said that at least one hangover a month affects their productivity.
3% said they have at least 7 hangovers a month.
19% said that their employer contributes to unhealthy levels of drinking.
15% said they went to work still feeling drunk after a night out in the last 12 months (24% of 25-34 yer olds and 5% of those aged 55+). 47% of these said that despite still feeling drunk, the drove to work.
Only 10% said their employers issued guidance on alcohol consumption.
The Drinkaware website provides excellent advice on developing good habits when it comes to drinking alcohol, encourage your employees to take a look and where appropriate, seek help.
For more information on this or any other HR matter, please get in touch.