The key to reducing alcohol misuse in the workplace is to avoid waiting until something goes wrong before acting. There are steps that can be taken at every level of your company and for every employee. By appearances, an individual may be able to drink a great deal without becoming intoxicated, having hangovers, or suffering other apparent ill-effects from alcohol. An early stage alcoholic is often indistinguishable from a non-alcoholic who happens to be a fairly heavy drinker. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued rules regarding alcohol testing for certain groups of employees such as those who are required to possess a Commercial Driver’s License, and certain employees in aviation-related positions.
Cherry-picking employees to fraternize with could undoubtedly create tension and an undesirable workplace environment. To mitigate this issue, management can insist on group lunches or another outing that allows employees to bond. By limiting the amount you drink, especially after work, you can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term effects on your body. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR.
Behavioral Treatment
Companies should instead suggest activities that encourage camaraderie among coworkers, leading to a healthier and stronger bonding experience and lessening the risk of repercussions brought on by after-work drinks. Additionally, grabbing a drink after work can open the door to situations that companies and employees want to steer clear of. The study found that 14% of respondents stated they’ve acted inappropriately while having drinks after work on at least one occasion. This figure perhaps makes more sense given the 1 in 10 workers who reported drinking shots with colleagues after work. Many people are still happy to imbibe at employer-sponsored happy hours, holiday parties and corporate events. They’re also 2.5 times more likely to have alcohol subsidised at work social events than in the public sector (23% vs 9%).
Human Resources, or Employee Relations Program
Another option is to get a bit mischievous and dabble in CBD sparkling waters that are free of psychoactive ingredients or indulge in a wide variety of sophisticated non-alcoholic liquors like alternative whiskey, rum or gin. You’ll even find some pre-made non-alcoholic “cocktails” on the market with complex flavors to challenge your palate. In other words, you think you slept, but it’s more likely you woke up repeatedly throughout the night without knowing it.
Medications to Ease Withdrawal Symptoms
This perception can create a nuanced challenge for individuals who may feel pressured to participate for the sake of their careers despite potential risks to their health and well-being. The alcohol withdrawal timeline varies, but the worst of the symptoms typically wear off after 72 hours. People who are daily or heavy drinkers may need medical support to quit.
The proportion of adults who drank more than three units (women) or four units (men) on any day in the last week fell from 37% in 2009 to 30% in 2019. In some industries, post-shift pints to unwind are par for the course; in others, drinking is woven into the fabric of the work itself, with client relationships built over boozy lunches and dinners. And yet, while the pandemic destabilised workplace social culture as we knew it, alcohol didn’t disappear. In many cases, especially early in the pandemic, pub happy hours simply moved to Zoom. Employers should avoid sponsoring after-work drinks unless they also take measures to monitor for intoxication and provide safe rides. Supervisors should be informed of the role they play – and their own personal liability – if they encourage these events or attend the events and buy drinks.
- With alcohol out of the equation, though, these chemicals cause withdrawal symptoms.
- However, the act of drinking after work can carry various implications.
- Long-term effects of regular after-work drinking may include the development of hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease.
- An example of this might be an instance where you think that an employee is intoxicated but the employee denies it.
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Going out for drinks has become a routine for work-related celebration, whether it’s winning a new account or nailing a big presentation. With the rise of coworking spaces, regular beer on tap is advertised as a selling point. Some companies even designate what percentage of violent crimes involve alcohol a day of the week for an after-work happy hour. In many organizations, drinking at work is even encouraged, with some companies proudly promoting their Thursday afternoon beer cart perks for recruitment purposes.
Problems with mental health can build up over time or be triggered suddenly by life events. Excessive drinking costs $223 billion a year, or about $750 for every man, woman, and child in the United States. You may implement the best prevention strategies yet still have alcohol misuse in the workplace. If you suspect an employee may need help, it’s essential to provide access to the professionals who can adequately screen and assess them to determine treatment needs. These consequences can be costly for employers, especially if they occur because an employee is drinking at work.