Alcohol In The Workplace
How to avoid putting your employees in danger
The well-intentioned choice to reward staff and build a fun company culture may actually be hurting your employees. Today’s workplace culture is inundated with alcohol: Companies host open bar holiday parties, company outings are tied to happy hours, and bosses reward direct reports with open access to alcohol in the office. With workplace drinking, nobody bats an eye.
This needs to change. Alcohol is the most regularly used addictive substance in America, with one out of every 12 adults suffering from alcohol misuse or dependency issue. Someone at your workplace has likely battled addiction.
As someone who has been in recovery for more than seven years, I want more HR leaders to be aware of potential dangers you may be exposing to your employees. Here are four tips to maintain a safe work environment for everyone:
Don’t Offer Alcohol as a Workplace Reward
Tough day at the office? Let me grab you a beer from the fridge! You just nailed that presentation? Come to my office and we’ll pop some champagne. These are seemingly innocent actions, but have you considered who in your workplace might be struggling? Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Never assume someone struggling will fit a preconceived stereotype and be mindful of compensating hard work with alcohol. What you see as a reward, others might see as a trigger. Instead, show appreciation through other means: Publicly praise someone on a job well done, buy the team a lunch of their choice, plan a team-building activity (escape room, anyone?) – get creative!
Never Make Meetings or Events Mandatory if Alcohol will be Present
American Addiction Centers conducted a survey on substance use in the workplace and found that 66% of people admitted they have consumed alcohol during work hours. What employees do on their own time is their prerogative, but you run into trouble when drinking becomes part of activities that are required of employees. Keep alcohol out of meetings and other workplace operations.
Be Mindful of the Stress Your Employees May Be Enduring
Stress is considered a significant factor in not only the beginning of alcohol misuse but also in relapse. Employers are a part of this equation and can help to mitigate alcohol use in the workplace by establishing reasonable working hours and encouraging breaks. Minimize stress by stocking the cabinets with healthy snacks, asking employees to go home if you notice they are working late, or scheduling a time for your team to eat lunch together and unplug. And because we live in a society of workaholics, some companies are even mandating recurring scheduled vacation.
Create a Healthy Company Culture with an Open-Door Policy
Make it a priority to offer your company leaders a new perspective on addiction and break the typical stigma that surrounds it. Addiction is a disease, not a bad habit or a poor choice. You wouldn’t discriminate against an ill employee who needs time and medical treatment to recover, so supporting someone struggling with addiction shouldn’t be any different. Establish an open-door policy where employees understand they will not be judged if they’re struggling. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for how to do this – you have to build strong relationships with employees and establish a reputation for being supportive. In addition, offer training to all managers about substance use in the workplace so they feel prepared should the situation arise.
Addiction is real, it’s common, and you probably know someone struggling. By focusing on educating company leaders, providing employees with healthier options for work functions, and creating a supportive atmosphere, you’re establishing a workplace where everyone can succeed.
Author Bio
| Tim Stein is the Vice President of Human Capital for American Addiction Centers (AAC). He is an instrumental part of AAC’s leadership team, providing vision, guidance, and oversight for the company’s greatest asset – over 2,000 employees. In his role, he also manages several departments, including Human Resources, Training and Development, and Talent Acquisition. Visit www.alcohol.org Connect Tim Stein Follow @AAC_Tweet |
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