What is it?
Most people are able to drink an amount of alcohol within the recommended limit so that alcohol does not pose a threat to their health. However, for some people the amount of alcohol they consume means that they face a real risk of developing alcohol related problems such as:
- Physical health conditions such as heart or liver disease
- Psychological health conditions such as depression
- Social problems that could lead to family issues including separation or divorce
Drinking levels of alcohol that can lead to these types of problems is known as ‘alcohol misuse’.
How does it affect people?
Signs that someone may be misusing alcohol include:
- They regularly exceed the recommended daily amount for alcohol
- They have been unable to remember what happened the night before as a result of their drinking
- They have failed to do what was expected of them because of their drinking, for example, missing an appointment because they were drunk or hungover
How is it treated?
Recognising and accepting that an alcohol problem exists is the first crucial step towards solving the problem. Alcoholism is an illness, not a moral weakness. However, people with alcohol problems often find it difficult to accept that they have a problem and do not access the help they need.
There are a range of treatment options available. The appropriate treatment will depend on the individual and the level of alcohol misuse. Options include:
- Counselling – short and longer term counselling, CBT, Family Therapy, etc.
- Facilitation groups – such as Alcoholics Anonymous
- Detoxification – including the use of medication to control symptoms
- Medication to prevent people using alcohol
How might it affect work?
People who abuse alcohol are more likely to have problems outside of work before they develop problems at work. They may be having relationship difficulties, health problems or even minor problems with the police before the problem becomes apparent at work.
The most frequently encountered workplace indicators of alcohol problems include absences, especially on Mondays, and lateness. Decline in the quality, timeliness, and quantity of work relative to previous levels may also be an indicator of problems. Employees may become increasingly irritable and this can lead to incidents of emotional disagreement with co-workers and supervisors.
The first indication that there is a problem may be that an individual comes in to work smelling of alcohol or there may be concerns expressed by colleagues of their ability to function effectively, particularly in the mornings. Equally, there may be rumours at work of excessive alcohol consumption or other issues outside of work.
A general reduction in performance, appearance, poor timekeeping and poor performance at work are all indicators that there is a problem which could be related to alcohol use.
These workplace indicators of possible alcoholism overlap with the signs and symptoms of other problems, such as clinical depression. Therefore, it is best to note these troubling workplace behaviours with concern but reserve speculation about their underlying cause until a discussion with the employee has taken place.
What do I need to do as the manager?
Firstly, and most importantly, if you notice changes in behaviour as outlined above then raise this with the employee. It is important that you do not ignore the problem. If an individual does have an alcohol problem, then it is unlikely that it will get better without treatment and it is far more likely that it will get worse. Tell the employee the reasons for your concern and give them the opportunity to explain. It is difficult for the sufferer to admit to the problem and seek help.
If you have any doubts whatsoever about their explanation, then you should encourage them to see their GP and make a referral to occupational health (if you have this service in place) indicating the reason why. It is important that you discuss the reasons for the referral openly with the employee. Unless all parties are open and honest about the reasons for referral then it is unlikely that the problem will be resolved effectively.
You can help a great deal by taking the problem seriously and maintaining confidence. Support in this way, and encouragement to seek medical help, can be extremely valuable. Early treatment is easier and more effective, but denial is common. Therefore your input in recognising the problem can make a big difference to the outcome.
Some modifications to their work may be helpful. Enable the employee to seek help by considering allowing them time off work to attend meetings, treatment, etc. Temporarily modifying their shifts can help them to change their routine and allow them to make the necessary changes to their drinking habits.
Key points to consider when managing an employee with alcohol problems include:
- Heavy drinking has serious health consequences
- The earlier the treatment, the more successful it is likely to be
- Failure to act is likely to lead to a deterioration in behaviour and most likely result in disciplinary action being taken
- Individuals do get better and remain better
- Recovery does take time, so do not expect instant results
- Your attitude and an understanding of the condition can make a huge difference
- Involving individuals with decision-making improves outcomes
- Supporting the employee to remain at work or to return to work as rapidly as possible helps recovery and a return to normal
Points to remember
Fit Notes – If an employee produces a fit note indicating that they require modified duties, discuss this with them and consider if the modification recommended can be reasonably accommodated.
Job Tasks and Risk Assessments – Review the risk assessment for the employee’s job role and work tasks including the ability to drive safely where required. Take into consideration any temporary modification that may be required to accommodate their reduced ability to undertake certain tasks.
Further information
The links shown below are offered by third parties to give you additional information and were accurate and working at the time of loading on to this site, no responsibility is accepted for their content as this is not within our control.
NHS – Information on alcohol misuse
Alcoholics Anonymous – Support and advice
Alcohol Focus Scotland – Charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol harm
