A report on managing drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace by the HR trade body, CIPD, has been welcomed.
You can download the report at the CIPD website: https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/culture/well-being/drug-alcohol-misuse-work-report.
The CIPD found that while most organisations have specific drug and alcohol policies, only a small minority of them provide information on sources of support for employees. Few organisations train line managers about their drug and alcohol policies and procedures. Just over half of employers view alcohol and drug misuse as a combined performance/disciplinary and health, safety and well-being issue. Support is more likely to be provided, and disciplinary action avoided, when an employee themselves discloses a drug or alcohol problem.
Among the CIPD recommendations, the report said that employers need to regularly assess workloads, stress levels and the working conditions of their staff. In addition, employers should consider drug and alcohol misuse when designing their well-being programme.
Separately, the Commission on Alcohol Harm has published a report. In a foreword to the 65-page report, Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Commission chair, said that the harm caused by alcohol – physical, mental, economic and social – is everywhere, hidden in plain sight and often endured privately. “Alcohol harm impacts us all – in families, our communities, and throughout society.” The problem has been made more urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic, she added. The harms laid out in the report include crimes such as (much under-reported) violence.
At charity, Drinkaware, Chief Executive Elaine Hindal said: “There is evidence to suggest many people use alcohol to cope with increased workloads, stress, anxiety and uncertainty. And our own research tells us that millions of people have been drinking more than they usually would over the past few months.
“This report from the CIPD couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. It’s more important than ever for organisations to be aware of alcohol misuse and to signpost their staff to appropriate support.
“Organisations are in a strong position to engage with their staff about alcohol awareness, and now is the time to prioritise employee health and wellbeing – whether parts of the workforce are on furlough, working from home or are adapting to changes in their normal work environments.”
Those who are drinking more are also more likely than the national average to display worrying drinking habits, such as drinking on more days than usual, having the first alcoholic drink earlier in the day and finding it difficult to stop at one drink, the charity suggests. Those drinking more are also twice as likely than the national average to drink while working and more than twice as likely to have had hangovers while working.
Elaine Hindal added: “The CIPD’s report and accompanying guide provides a good opportunity for employers to consider alcohol misuse in their wellbeing programmes and policies, and also where alcohol features in their organisational culture.”
Drinkaware offers support to organisations through a training scheme, Drinkaware at Work.
