Drinking at Work: Workplace Policies and Safety Concerns

The impact of alcohol in the workplace ranges greatly, depending on the individual’s position and dependence on others. Some individuals with alcohol dependence may find it possible to keep their sober and inebriated lives separate. Unfortunately for most, there is an inevitable spillover that not only impacts the individual and their families, but their coworkers and businesses as well. After completing a treatment program, employees should stay connected to the recovery community through an aftercare plan.

While primarily focused on illegal drugs, many employers extend policies to include policies to avoid employee drinking at work and ensure a comprehensive approach to substance abuse. 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. Alcohol misuse, combined with absenteeism, can affect productivity.4 Productivity losses accumulate when employees miss work due to health problems. Both lifestyle risk factors and health conditions influence employee absenteeism.

Kidney Damage

A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function. By reducing stress and anxiety, beer can help prevent premature ageing. Chronic stress has been linked to accelerated ageing, so finding healthy ways to manage it is essential. Additionally, alcohol can affect the body’s hormones, which can impact weight distribution and contribute to a more youthful appearance. Young people should wait at least until they are in their late teenage years to drink alcohol.

Refer to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Even worse, those same employees may feel pressured to attend such an event out of fear of repercussions, being ostracized from further events, or being viewed differently by peers.
• Whether it’s early on in health class, through family experiences, or in sporadic doctor visits, many of us learn that excessive drinking is ‘bad for you’ at a young age.
• As part of this consideration, the researchers also encourage employers to consider who stands to benefit from their workplace’s drinking culture and who may be placed at risk of harm and exclusion.
• Typically held at izakayas or restaurants, nomikai are organized to mark milestones, celebrate successes and foster camaraderie among coworkers, superiors and subordinates alike.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities, including AUD. Yes, you can get fired for drinking on the job or for actions influenced by alcohol. However, laws on drinking habits and termination affect how your employer responds to a drinking problem. As part of this consideration, the researchers also encourage employers to consider who stands to benefit from their workplace’s drinking culture and who may be placed at risk of harm and exclusion. “The hours hospitality people work in terms of the late nights and the stress that it puts on your mind and your body, it compounds with drinking and the prevalence of drinking a lot more,” said Leo, a participant.

• While drinking beer may offer some health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to various side effects.
• This suggests not only a co-occurrence but also a shared underlying vulnerability involving genetic factors and neural circuits.
• For some people, the ritual of having a drink or two after work becomes a habit that’s hard to break.
• Whether it’s a beer with colleagues or a glass of wine at a networking event, alcohol is often present in work-related socialising.

Is Drinking in the Morning a Sign of Alcoholism?

In many organizations, drinking at work is even encouraged, with some companies proudly promoting their Thursday afternoon beer cart perks for recruitment purposes. Morning drinking can indicate alcohol abuse, especially if you’re working the first shift. Any amount of alcohol can cause an increased risk of headaches, with symptoms worsening with greater consumption. Wine-drinking, in particular, is a common trigger for migraine headaches because of factors like dehydration, histamines, and sugar.

Alcohol use disorder

Drinking on the job means consuming alcohol during work hours, which can impair performance, judgment and safety, negatively impacting both the individual and workplace productivity and environment. A balanced approach of support and enforcement helps employees overcome substance abuse issues while maintaining workplace safety and efficiency. This fosters a healthier environment and protects both the 5 risks of drinking after work employees and the organization. This systemic approach underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address the intertwined issues of alcohol use and mental health disorders.

Remote workers and employees whose jobs require them to be isolated due to the nature of their work are at increased risk for alcohol abuse as well. They are not only alone – which can lead to depression and alcohol abuse – but they also may lack accountability for their drinking on the job. Some employees are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder and bring it into the workplace. Bartenders are 2.33 times more likely to develop AUD and subsequently die from alcohol-related deaths.

Excessive alcohol use includes:

Typically held at izakayas or restaurants, nomikai are organized to mark milestones, celebrate successes and foster camaraderie among coworkers, superiors and subordinates alike. Nomikai often includes speeches and can start formally, but as the evening progresses, they become more casual and convivial. If you regularly drink alcohol in the morning, you might have a problem with alcohol. For example, if someone is habitually late for work, they can be terminated. The cause of their lateness is not an issue⁠, regardless of whether it’s related to drinking.

Inpatient treatment is best for moderate to severe alcohol addiction or people who have relapsed. Inpatient treatment involves living on-site at the detox or rehab facility, an approach that keeps patients in a healing environment and allows for better monitoring and treatment. Creative hobbies, such as painting or playing music, not only provide a therapeutic outlet but also a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, non-alcoholic beverages, including herbal teas and mocktails, offer a festive way to enjoy a drink without alcohol’s impact on health. With the rise of health consciousness, non-alcoholic beer and wine have also become popular as they provide the social aspect of drinking without the hangover.

This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder includes a level of drinking that’s sometimes called alcoholism. However, in moderate amounts, alcohol can have a positive impact on kidney health. By increasing urine production, it helps the body get rid of excess fluid and maintain a healthy balance of water and electrolytes.

Happy hour and after-work drinks often go hand in hand with long days on the job, providing networking opportunities and a chance to unwind. Know that it’s a profitable decision, as it caters to the steady demand of those who choose to indulge at the end of the day. Moreover, hobby clubs within the workplace foster camaraderie and creativity and are instrumental in promoting overall well-being. They allow employees to connect on a personal level, which can lead to stronger connections and a supportive environment. As awareness grows, there is an increasing call for more inclusive, alcohol-free workplace activities that cater to all preferences. This is part of a larger movement toward redefining the role of alcohol in professional settings and promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Low bone density can increase the likelihood of osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, wrist fractures, and hip fractures. When it comes to alcohol, if you don’t drink, don’t start for health reasons. HRMorning, part of the SuccessFuel Network, provides the latest HR and employment law news for HR professionals in the trenches of small-to-medium-sized businesses.