If you missed our latest virtual Health Horizons event, Hidden Addictions with the impacts in plain sight, you can catch up now on demand: Health Horizons | Workplace Events | Bupa UK.
The event brought together leading voices in workplace wellbeing to explore new research from Bupa – which surveyed 1,503 employees and 1500 employers. The findings are a wake-up call for business leaders:
- 71 percent of employers are concerned about addiction-related issues in their workforce.
- 34 percent of employees have either used or witnessed substance use or addictive behaviours during work hours.
- Nearly half (48 percent) of employees admit to turning to addictive behaviours—such as alcohol, prescription medication, or digital dependencies—to cope with workplace stress.
- 2 in 5 (40 percent) say workplace culture itself contributes to these behaviours.
These personal struggles can also be business-critical issues. Addiction in the workplace affects productivity, engagement, absenteeism, and overall employee wellbeing. And yet, stigma remains the biggest barrier to support, with over half of employees (51 percent) saying it prevents them from seeking help.
Our expert panel made one thing clear: that businesses should start putting steps in place to foster a culture of openness and support for employees who may be suffering.
Watch the full event to:
- Understand the hidden costs of addiction in the workplace.
- Learn how to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations.
- Discover practical strategies to integrate addiction awareness into your wellbeing programmes.
Watch the event and join us in building healthier, more supportive workplaces — where no one has to struggle in silence.
- Watch now: Health Horizons | Workplace Events | Bupa UK
What’s coming up next on the horizon?
Look out for our next event in June, on psychological safety in the workplace.
