Providing effective support to an employee grappling with addiction can have life-changing effects. Not only does it alter the individual’s life, but it also safeguards the wellbeing of their colleagues. Bupa looks at an issue hiding in plain sight.
Official data suggests that up to 20 percent of the workforce may face challenges with alcohol or drugs, with a significant risk of dependency.1 Research uncovered unexpected patterns around employment and alcohol or substance misuse.
As many as 42 percent of workers have reported being at work while hungover or under the influence of alcohol, according to a study by the International Labour Organisation.
When this happened, employees agreed their performance was 39 percent less effective than working sober. Additionally, the research estimated that up to 40 percent of accidents in the workplace involve alcohol.2
Dr Caroline Wood, head of behavioural insights and research at Bupa Global and UK, said: “This represents a significant risk for any business. Alcohol and drugs impair decision-making and reaction times, and increase the risk of both absenteeism and presenteeism.”
Who is the most at risk?
A meta-analysis consisting of 61 studies with over 333,000 participants revealed that working over 55 hours weekly was more likely to lead to alcohol consumption at levels which threaten an employee’s health.3
Additionally, the British Medical Association (BMA) reported that managerial and professional workers tend to drink more frequently compared to those in manual or routine jobs. Factors such as shift work, travel, remote working, and job-related stress were also recognised as contributors to increased alcohol use.4
The BMA also said: “Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people who have an alcohol-use problem are in work.”
Hiding in plain sight
Hiding addiction or dependency from family or co-workers is extremely common. Wood explained: “People experiencing addiction can be very adept at masking their behaviour. They can hold down demanding jobs and maintain full social lives. They can even hide their difficulties from their partners and close family.”
These high-functioning individuals are often in denial about the extent of their dependency. They may use their ability to perform as a defence if anyone suggests there is a problem. Some experts prefer the term ‘currently functioning addict’. Because sooner or later, there will be a breaking point.
“This could be because the addiction has escalated to the point that it is impacting their performance or health,” she said. “Sometimes it’s because the family, colleagues and friends they have relied on withdraw their support or they insist that dependency issues are addressed.”
The benefits of early intervention
“The business case for early intervention is undeniable,” Wood said.
Alcohol misuse alone costs the UK economy £7.3 billion a year in lost productivity.2
“Early intervention protects productivity, the organisation’s reputation and avoids potential HR issues involving the individual with dependency issues, as well as their colleagues.”
Providing effective support and having policies in place which promote positive interventions will minimise the damage for both the individual and the organisation.
The risks of inaction
The Health and Safety Executive requires employers to protect their employees’ wellbeing via the Health and Safety at Work Act. Furthermore, the Health and Safety at Work Regulations state that employers regularly evaluate risks, which must include risk assessments. These should include checks on the use of alcohol and drugs if there is any sign of a problem.
Employers must have systems in place to identify team members who may be struggling and offer support before there is a crisis.
To find out more about how addiction may be affecting your workforce and how to provide support for staff struggling with addictive behaviours, visit Bupa’s Health Horizons series which discusses addiction in the workplace.
References
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, March 2022.
- Institute of Alcohol Studies (PDF, 0.6MB), October 2022.
- The BMJ, Long working hours and alcohol use: systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies and unpublished individual participant data, January 2015, DOI: 10.1136/bmj.g7772
- British Medical Association (PDF, 0.5MB), Alcohol, drugs and the workplace – The role of medical professionals, July 2016.
