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Alcohol 'biggest threat' to workplace productivity

07 May 2008 Breaking News

Over three quarters of employers believe alcohol is the biggest threat to employee wellbeing and is encouraging sickness absence, a study by Norwich Union Healthcare has found.

The survey of 250 businesses and 1,000 consumers found that just 9% of employees share employers' concerns.

However, when questioned about their drinking habits in relation to the workplace, 32% of employees said they had been to work with a hangover and 15% said they had been drunk at work.

One in 10 admitted to this happening at least once a month and one in 20 said it happens once a week.

Of those who have had a hangover or been drunk at work, 85% confirmed that it affects their performance or mood: 36% find it hard to concentrate; 35% are less productive; and a quarter does the minimum amount of work and goes home as soon as possible.

Dr Douglas Wright of Norwich Union Healthcare said: "It seems that alcohol and the workplace often do go hand in hand. Sadly, alcohol use is associated with a number of medical conditions which can cause significant morbidity and therefore affect performance and attendance at work, costing UK plc."

Insurers provide services such as drug and alcohol testing, rehabilitation programmes and employee assistance programmes to help target alcohol-related and other health problems.

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