Think that alcohol use is not a significant factor in your workplace? If so, think again. Among 55.3 million adult binge drinkers in the United States, 44.0 million, or 79.4% are employed. Of 16.4 million persons reporting heavy alcohol use, 13.1 million, or 79.6% are employed.
According to the US Department of Labor website, while the prevalence of substance use among employed people is lower than among the unemployed, a large number of employed people use drugs and alcohol. In 2007, 8.4% of those employed full-time were current illicit drug users. 8.8% reported heavy alcohol use.
The impact of social drinkers with hangovers, in addition to the impact of employees with alcohol addiction problems, cannot be overestimated. Social drinkers impact your productivity, absenteeism, employee morale, attendance, and employee turnover rates more than employees who are alcoholics. While alcoholism is protected under the ADA, and worthy of attention, social drinking and its work impact needs more of your concern.
Here's how employers might want to address alcohol use-related problems in the workplace.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to consider whether you need a drug and alcohol management program in your workplace that would include employee and supervisor training, a drug and alcohol use policy, and increased awareness of the impact of alcohol and drug use on your employees and your workplace.
Want to know more about alcoholism? About.com's Buddy T offers everything you need to know about alcohol use and abuse.
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