Substance abuse of any kind, be it alcohol or drugs, is a very significant issue for any workplace and is fast becoming a pressing concern for employers.
Contrary to popular belief however, the vast majority of people with substance abuse addictions are employed and as a result, can have a huge impact on their jobs and colleagues around them.
There are numerous effects of alcohol and drug addiction in the workplace. These include but are not limited to:
- Increased sickness and unexplained absences
- Continually working much longer hours than asked out of fear of losing their job, otherwise known as “Presenteeism”.
- Much lower productivity levels
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Accidents and injuries
Addiction Affects Everyone
Any employee suffering from a drink or drugs addiction will usually show signs of this in their work performance. This may be seen in poor decision-making or even much slower reaction times. Employers may also notice the sufferers relationships with their colleagues beginning to suffer which in turn can begin to affect the entire workforce as moral lowers.
Add to this much lowered productivity levels either through being intoxicated or through sheer reluctance/unwillingness as a result of the effect of substance abuse as well as an increase in accidents and injuries, and it’s clear to see the incredibly damaging effect that this type of addiction can have within the workplace.
Legal Responsibilities As An Employer
As an employer, you have certain legal responsibilities. These include a general duty to ensure the health, safety and of course welfare of your employees, where reasonably practicable. Without taking action when you’re made aware of drug or alcohol use within the workplace, employers may find themselves breaking the law. It’s also an employers moral responsibility to take action in order to ensure other employees aren’t put at risk from one particular employee under the influence.
With that in mind, what can you do to help address addiction in the workplace as a responsible employer? Thankfully, there are numerous things an employer can do, and they include:
- Introduce and implement substance abuse/addiction policies throughout the workplace.
- Provide training for managerial staff to help them recognise the signs of drug and alcohol addiction.
- Implement strategies for staff to raise awareness of alcohol and drug addiction.
- Take action when an employee is suspected of an alcohol or drug addiction.
Contact Infinity Addiction Today
It’s important to note that you don’t have to do this alone. With the help of expert therapists and councillors, you can implement policies and training to ensure your workforce are up to speed on all things drug and alcohol related.
At Infinity Addiction, you can enjoy workplace training from drug and alcohol misuse training to workplace policies and even workplace testing. For more information, call 0800 334 5541 today. The experts at Infinity Addiction will help you put the necessary policies and procedures in place to ensure you, your staff and your company are not only well equipped but are in safe hands.
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