Why addictive behaviour is not just an employee’s problem
It is estimated that up to one in five working people have difficulties with alcohol or drugs or are at risk of developing a dependency.
Alcohol misuse is believed to cost the UK economy £7.3bn a year in lost productivity with up to 40% of accidents in the workplace involving alcohol, according to the International Labour Organisation.
Although the extent of drug dependency in the workplace is not known, ONS Crime Survey data shows that one in 11 adults aged 16 to 59 (9.5%) have taken an addictive, or potentially addictive, Class-A drug in the past year.
Dr Caroline Wood, Head of Behavioural Insights and Research, Bupa Global and UK, said this represents a significant risk for any business.
She said: “Alcohol and drugs impair decision-making and reaction times and increase the risk of both absenteeism and presenteeism.
“Apart from the obvious risk around heavy equipment and accidents, substance abuse also undermines productivity through the output of inferior goods and services.”
Challenging behaviour towards colleagues, increased workload and stress for other employees can also be potential risks.
A report by the British Medical Association (BMA) found that people in managerial and professional positions drink more often than those in routine and manual occupations.
Furthermore, employees who work more than 55 hours a week are more likely to drink at levels that threaten their health, according to a study. The BMA report pointed out, “Contrary to popular belief, most people who have an alcohol-use problem are in work.”
High-risk roles
Shift work, working away from home, remote working and job stress were all identified as factors that could increase the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. UK Biobank data also found that publicans and managers of licensed premises were among the heaviest drinkers in both sexes.
For men, the roles associated with the next highest risk are:
- Industrial cleaners
- Auto electricians
- Bar staff
- Plasterers
- Refuse and salvage workers
- Roofers and roof tilers
- Glaziers and window fitters
- Vehicle body builders and repairers
- Pipe fitters
- Floorers and wall tilers.
For women, roles associated with heavy alcohol consumption are:
- Sports and leisure assistants
- Storage and warehouse managers
- Construction trades
- Estate agents and auctioneers
- Driving instructors
- Bar staff
- Restaurant and catering managers
- Other goods handling and storage occupations
- Directors and Chief Executives of major organisations
- Police officers (sergeant and below).
“Given their prevalence, substance abuse and addictive behaviours are an issue for all businesses, and unless it’s an industry or role which involves random testing problems can remain hidden for many years,” says Dr Wood.
Supporting employees
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a statutory duty to ensure the welfare of employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations also require employers to conduct regular risk assessments, including checking on the use of alcohol and drugs, if there is a sign of a problem.
Dr Wood adds: “Employers must have systems in place to identify team members who may be struggling and offer support before there is a crisis.
“Providing effective support and having policies that promote positive interventions will minimise the damage for both the individual and the organisation.”
For more on how supporting health in the workplace can benefit your organisation, read the full article here.
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