Study: Employers see drink as No. 1 threat to employee wellbeing

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Whilst the study suggests that over three quarters of employers consider alcohol a problem, among employees only nine per cent also considered it a problem.

The study by Norwich Union Healthcare found that 32 per cent of employees had admitted going to work with a hangover, 15 per cent admitted to being drunk at work. One in 10 employees said this happened once a month, while one in 20 said it happened once a week.

Of those admitting to having been drunk or hung-over at work, 85 per cent said that it affected their performance or mood.

Around 36 per cent said they found it harder to concentrate, 35 per cent said that they were less productive, 42 per cent said they felt very sleepy, whilst around a quarter said they go home as soon as they completed the minimum amount of work and almost 10% said they made a lot of mistakes that needed rectifying.

The study also found that 54 per cent of employees thought their bosses and colleagues noticed a change in productivity as a result of drink, whilst 24 per cent said they have felt embarrassed by something they did on front of their boss and colleagues because of drink.

Dr Douglas Wright, 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. It's essential that companies have a robust Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedure to tackle and, where possible, prevent any problems developing. This should include provision for support and, potentially, referral to appropriate facilities."

Don Shenker of Alcohol Concern, said, "With many people drinking at harmful levels it's not surprising to find that it is having an effect on the workplace. After work or lunchtime drinks are the norm for many and in some cases this is promoted by companies as a way to build teams or just as the way 'to do business'. Employers need to watch out for the early warning signs that alcohol may be affecting their workers in a serious way."