Alcoholism in the Workplace

Alcohol abuse is a growing problem in the workplace. Alcoholism affects people in all social and economic situations and its effects can be found in both white and blue collar jobs. Although the common stereotype is that alcoholics are homeless and unemployed, it was estimated that about 75% of alcoholics are employed full time.

Some studies suggest that alcohol in the workplace has contributed, and may have even been the cause of as much as 25% of all workplacesaccidents. In addition, lost productivity and absenteeism due to alcohol abuse was estimated to cost employers billions of dollars.

One aspect of alcoholism is its ability to affect people close to the alcoholic. After the family members, coworkers are the people most aware of being affected by alcohol and alcohol consumption. Often, people who work with alcoholic trying to cover for them, who can work with them even more difficult, and simply delays theconsequences for the alcoholic.

From the perspective of the authorities and government agencies, the decision of a person in the absorption of alcohol is a private matter. At their consumption of alcohol begins to affect job performance, and starts to jeopardize potentially around the alcoholic, the employer should be concerned, and has the right to get involved.

If you are an employer or supervisor of a person with an alcohol problem, it is important to stay in that role duringdeal with this person. This is not your job to diagnose alcoholism or any other disease. Stick to monitor your employee, and the decision making only in their ability to carry out their tasks.

The following signs may indicate that someone has a problem with alcohol:

An odor of alcohol


An unsteady gait


Red or bloodshot eyes


Sleeping on the job


Excessive use ofmint or mouthwash


Frequent lateness


Use of sick leave is excessive


Absences from work which are unauthorized or unplanned


Sloppy or careless work, and missed deadlines


Strained relations with colleagues


Grumpy and argumentative, especially in the morning

If, as an employer, you determine that alcohol is probably a problem with your employee, confront them withyour conclusions, and provide information on the business benefits that can help them overcome their problem. Be prepared for the employee to get angry, or deny they have a problem.

In the case of an employee who refuses to admit they have a problem, an intervention may be tempted by the employer, if there is no family or friends willing or able to intervene and d 'help.

The role of the employer should not be a catalyst, but rather to support the employee, andgive them the opportunity to get and keep their jobs.

The employer, however, in their right to let the employee, if their work is suffering. Experts suggest that employers do with a gesture of support, indicating that when the employee is able to overcome their problem, they could have a second chance now. This allows the employee an incentive to wash.

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