Drinking at work can be a serious problem, and it can lead to a range of negative consequences for both the employees and the organization. From the impaired judgment and reduced productivity to increased absenteeism and the potential for accidents, alcohol use at work can cause a damaging ripple effect.
When someone is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, they often do not have the ability to stop drinking even if they want to and are faced with having to drink at times that create risk. This includes the workplace, and it can not only put their job in jeopardy but affect the lives of the people whom they work with. Sometimes intervention is necessary, and one option is a treatment program for professionals. Call BoardPrep Recovery Center® at 866.796.4720 to learn more today.
How to Address Drinking at Work
To address drinking at work, it is important for organizations to first have clear policies and procedures in place. These policies should outline the expectations and consequences of drinking at work and should be communicated to all employees. It is also important for organizations to provide education and training on the risks and effects of alcohol use and to promote healthy alternatives to drinking.
In addition to having clear policies and providing education and training, it is also essential for organizations to provide support and resources to employees who may be struggling with alcohol use. This can include access to counseling and medical services, as well as programs like inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment services if necessary.
Another key aspect of addressing drinking at work is to create a culture of support and accountability. This can involve promoting open communication and encouraging employees to speak up if they are concerned about their own or someone else’s alcohol use. It can also involve providing support and resources for employees who are in recovery from alcohol addiction and their families, such as access to support groups or therapies. Some things to keep in mind when addressing an employee who you suspect is drinking on the job include:
- Ensure that the conversation is confidential
- Try to remain empathetic and non-judgmental
- Be clear about policies and expectations
- Keep the focus on solutions
- Give the employee plenty of chances to respond
It is never easy to tackle this problem, but it is vital for the safety and well-being of the employee and their coworkers that drinking at work is addressed.
The Challenges of Addressing Workplace Drinking
One of the challenges of addressing drinking at work is that alcohol is often a socially accepted and even encouraged part of many workplace environments. To overcome this challenge, organizations need to promote healthy alternatives to drinking, such as team-building activities, social events, and other activities that can help to build connections and foster a positive work culture without alcohol.
Another challenge that professionals face is the stigma of their disease if they do come forward. In some workplaces, addiction is not understood and, therefore, not treated as an illness. It can be hard for someone to seek help when they are afraid of what will be said to them or about them or what they risk losing. When addressing drinking at work, it’s important to understand that the person doing it is likely sick and in need of treatment and does have the potential to transition back into their position once they find the help that they need.
Learn More About Treatment Programs for Professionals at BoardPrep Recovery
Drinking at work can be a sign of an alcohol use disorder. In order to stop this behavior, treatment is sometimes required. Support through a treatment program for professionals can be beneficial for someone looking to stop or mitigate the dangers of their drinking. If you or someone you love is having trouble with alcohol, contact us today at 866.796.4720 to learn more about our programs. You can also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
