Addiction at work – Colleague
Addiction at Work – Colleague. Assisting a co-worker struggling with addiction demands a careful and tactful approach. Most often, individuals are unaware of their issues, which complicates the situation significantly. Confronting a colleague about their substance use may provoke a defensive response from them. In such instances, it’s crucial to consider the effects on their health and overall well-being, not to mention their productivity and workplace morale. If these concerns are overlooked and allowed to worsen, the situation will inevitably deteriorate further. The issue of alcoholism in the workplace is increasingly prevalent today. The NHS reports that ‘an estimated 1.6 million may have some degree of alcohol dependence’. Such statistics highlight the number of individuals who hesitate to seek assistance for their alcohol issues due to fears of losing their jobs or facing judgment from their peers. In this context, Rehab Spain provides guidance on workplace alcohol testing and addresses alcoholism in the workplace to assist you or your colleague in finding suitable treatment for alcohol addiction. How to assist an alcoholic colleague Navigating the challenges of an alcoholic co-worker can be tough, but it’s essential to keep the broader perspective in mind and strive to be the support they need for recovery. If you feel intimidated by the idea of addressing a colleague’s addiction, the following strategies might prove beneficial. Intervention – A well-organised and professional intervention can be highly effective, particularly if you’re uncertain about how to approach the situation in a proactive and sensitive manner. An intervention serves as a significant tool to illustrate the extensive effects of their addiction and can motivate them to seek help and pursue rehabilitation if necessary.
Careful wording – The terms ‘addiction’ and ‘alcoholism’ come with significant stigma.
It is better to use expressions like ‘problem’ or ‘struggle’ when talking to the individual. Creating a compassionate, non-accusatory, and non-judgmental conversation can encourage your co-worker who is facing an alcohol addiction to share their feelings with you without feeling angry or defensive. However, it is crucial to emphasise the impact of their alcohol or drug use and provide a truthful evaluation of how it is influencing their job performance. Leverage – A clear ultimatum can often serve as a strong negotiating tactic in these situations. While it may appear severe, sometimes informing an alcoholic co-worker that their employment could be jeopardised unless they address their drinking and drug issues can give them the wake-up call they need. Your primary goal when assisting an addicted co-worker is to support their recovery. It is vital that you do not attempt to take on the responsibility of their recovery but rather encourage them to seek professional help. Your main function when interacting with an alcoholic colleague should be to reassure them that you will be there to support them if they choose to accept help and guide them towards professional assistance.
Addiction at Work – Colleague – Signs of an alcoholic colleague
To determine if your colleague requires help with addiction, it is essential to recognise the common signs and symptoms of alcoholism. Reduced productivity and increased absences. Frequent hangovers and bloodshot eyes. Irrational behaviour including paranoia, irritability, and emotional outbursts. Secretive and dishonest actions. Concealing evidence of their addiction. Heightened negativity and signs of depression. Physical withdrawal symptoms, such as:
shaking
sweating
irritability
Bloodshot eyes and pupils that are either larger or smaller than normal.
Sudden changes in weight.
Deterioration in physical appearance.
Unusual odours on breath, body, or clothing. Tremors, slurred speech, or lack of coordination.
Behavioural indicators of drug abuse.
Poor attendance.
Addiction at Work – Colleague- Suspicious or secretive behaviour.
Financial struggles.
Psychological indicators of drug addiction
Abrupt mood changes, irritability, or fits of anger.
Lack of drive; seems lethargic or ‘out of it.’
Unexplained shifts in personality or attitude.
Episodes of unusual hyperactivity, restlessness, or excitement.
Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid.
Addressing alcoholism in the workplace An employee with alcoholism can significantly impact their coworkers and the organisation overall. Being under the influence of alcohol at work jeopardises the health and safety of all staff members and should be addressed appropriately. Research indicates that the prevalence of alcoholism in the workplace has increased due to the considerable stress and heavy workloads faced by employees. Thus, regular health and wellness meetings could serve as a preventive measure. Certainly, managing an alcoholic employee is a challenging situation, but it is crucial to take action and address the issue promptly. By identifying the problem early, it becomes easier to manage with addiction treatment. Employers have a responsibility to care for all employees, and if a staff member is suspected of having an alcohol addiction, reasonable steps must be taken to assist in addressing their colleague’s issue. Termination should be a last resort, and an alcoholic employee should not feel discouraged from seeking help for their addiction due to fear of job loss. This infographic from SHPOnline illustrates the significant impact of alcohol and drug abuse on the economy of the United Kingdom, costing the UK a total of £36 billion each year. Seventy percent of these substance abusers are employed full-time, and seventeen million working days are lost solely due to alcohol misuse.
Typical signs of alcoholism in the workplace may include:
Frequent hangovers
Decreased productivity
Erratic behaviour
Changes in mood
Regularly discussing their unusual drinking patterns.
Alcohol and work performance Studies indicate a significant link between employees who consume alcohol and decreased work productivity. A report from the British Medical Journal has revealed that alcohol is either directly or indirectly responsible for 40% of workplace accidents and accounts for 17 million lost workdays annually, resulting in a financial impact of £7.3 billion on the UK economy. Numerous companies have established employee alcohol policies, and it is crucial that these policies are enforced to prevent the overlap of alcoholism and work.
How does random alcohol testing work?
Alcohol testing in the workplace is a widely adopted preventive measure by many organisations. The construction and railway sectors frequently implement alcohol testing to safeguard the health and safety of both employees and the general public. In the UK, random alcohol testing is permissible as long as it is conducted in compliance with the human rights act, ensuring that the individual’s privacy is honoured.
There are three primary types of alcohol tests:
urine,
oral,
hair testing.
Hair testing is the most invasive method and tends to be a more time-consuming process. Urine and oral tests are the most prevalent.