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For some employees, these risk factors may make them vulnerable to alcohol addiction, above and beyond anything happening in the workplace. When people talk about the dangers of alcoholism at work, they typically refer to employees with signs of an alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical term for an alcohol addiction. However, it is not just working-class people who may struggle with substance abuse due to drinking after work. There are those at the professional level who also struggle with the same problems. This goes to show that substance abuse can happen to anyone if they aren’t careful. Stress in a person’s life can be the root cause of drinking and drug use.
- This figure perhaps makes more sense given the 1 in 10 workers who reported drinking shots with colleagues after work.
- Even if you’re not a fan of exercising, look for an active habit that you actually enjoy.
- HRMorning, part of the SuccessFuel Network, provides the latest HR and employment law news for HR professionals in the trenches of small-to-medium-sized businesses.
- In recent years, many companies have gotten increasingly lax about alcohol in the workplace.
Studies have consistently shown a negative correlation between regular after-work drinking and job performance. The habit can lead to absenteeism, tardiness, reduced work efficiency and strained professional relationships, ultimately affecting overall workplace dynamics. Research indicates that this pattern of behavior not only decreases an individual’s work capacity but also burdens colleagues who may need to compensate for the reduced output. Peer pressure and societal expectations are pivotal in shaping drinking behaviors.
Missed work and health problems arising from alcohol misuse can cause economic harm to workplaces because of reduced productivity and insurance costs. When someone has an alcohol use disorder, brain changes make it difficult for them to control their drinking. This means they may continue to drink, even if it interferes with their performance and functioning at work.
- Knowing your limits is a key factor in preventing hangovers and symptoms of anxiety during a hangover.
- The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides a full continuum of care, from medical detox and inpatient rehab to aftercare.
- Engaging in regular after-work drinking can have significant mental health implications, such as the development of alcohol dependence and the exacerbation of depression and anxiety.
- Additionally, regular alcohol consumption can mask or worsen symptoms of mental health conditions, creating a vicious cycle of self-medication and increased dependency.
- While having a drink initially may be fine, if it begins to escalate into alcohol abuse, saying ‘no’ is the best route to take before it’s too late.
Drinking After Work: The Problem With Stress Drinking
These numbers show us that it is HARD to break the routine once we have developed a dependence on alcohol to unwind at the end of the day. Going out for drinks has become a routine for work-related celebration, whether it’s winning a new account or nailing a big presentation. With the rise of coworking spaces, regular beer on tap is advertised as a selling point. Some companies even designate a day of the week for an after-work happy hour. In many organizations, drinking at work is even encouraged, with some companies proudly promoting their Thursday afternoon beer cart perks for recruitment purposes.
Beyond the buzz: How after-work drinking habits are affecting our lives
When employees are struggling with alcohol addiction, they should receive professional treatment. Treatment typically begins with medical detox to help patients manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. North Jersey Recovery Center offers several paths to make sure treatment is personalized and effective. During this stage, a person eases their way into quitting alcohol use entirely. During this time professionals will be by the person’s side through the whole experience. For individuals not yet ready for complete abstinence, Moderation Management programs offer support toward understanding and controlling drinking behaviors.
Physical Health Implications of Frequent After-work Drinking
Substance abuse, including alcoholism, can qualify as a serious health condition under the FMLA if an eligible employee seeks treatment involving “inpatient care” or “continuing treatment” by a healthcare provider. In fact, workplace alcoholism and alcohol abuse amount to lost productivity, healthcare costs, traffic accidents and personal tragedies totaling between $33 billion to $68 billion per year, per OPM. Management should suggest and encourage social activities with employees over drinking after work. According to the Alcohol.org survey, 10% of bosses don’t mind getting drunk in front of employees, which greatly increases the risk of creating an uncomfortable workplace. De-emphasizing happy hour in favor of other ventures can prove to be beneficial to all involved. Grabbing beers after work with colleagues can be a great way to bond and decompress.
Causes of Alcoholism in the Workplace
The ADA may apply to people with alcoholism, but it does not require employers to excuse performance issues or misconduct – even if alcoholism causes those issues. And an employee struggling with alcoholism can cause real, impactful ripple effects throughout an organization. One person’s behavior can change workload balance, productivity, morale, employee turnover, customer satisfaction, and so on. Happy hour and alcoholism treatment after-work drinks often go hand in hand with long days on the job, providing networking opportunities and a chance to unwind.
While having drinks with coworkers and employees may seem like a harmless bonding activity, things can quickly take a turn for the worse. Companies should instead suggest activities that encourage camaraderie among coworkers, leading to a healthier and stronger bonding experience and lessening the risk of repercussions brought on by after-work drinks. Though not altogether a new phenomenon, the incorporation of alcohol in the workplace has become increasingly normalized in some job settings. Some companies openly offer alcohol to employees as a perk and even designate a day of the week for all employees to have a teambuilding or celebratory drink. With such a lax approach to alcohol during work hours, it isn’t surprising that alcohol after work has become so commonplace. Many of the potentially far-reaching effects of after-work drinking may not immediately come to mind to those who imbibe, but there are unwanted situations that can arise.
As a result, you may wake up feeling groggy and exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep. This lack of quality rest can lead to daytime drowsiness, decreased productivity, and an increased risk of accidents, both at work and in other areas of your life. Over time, consistent disruption of sleep can contribute to the development of chronic sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
Without the proper control, a person can eventually develop an addiction. In seeking professional help, it is crucial to consult with a primary care provider or seek referrals to specialists with addiction expertise. It’s essential to acknowledge that reducing or quitting alcohol can significantly improve both physical and mental health, and professional help can offer the necessary guidance and support for this journey. Regular after-work drinking has been identified to have a significant negative impact on both work performance and professional relationships. Research indicates a strong correlation between higher levels of alcohol consumption and higher levels of impaired work performance. After-work drinking culture has traditionally been a staple of certain professional environments, serving as a means of socializing, networking, and unwinding after a long day.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to a range of long-term health problems. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and excessive drinking puts a strain on this vital organ. Over time, this can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and even cirrhosis.
Reach out to the addiction and mental wellness specialists at Grace Counseling today!
Supervisors should not drink with, or purchase drinks for, a subordinate unless all employees are invited. Today, this sort of gathering occurs frequently, but it could increase the chances of the worker-supervisor relationship becoming somewhat muddled. Cherry-picking employees to fraternize with could undoubtedly create tension and an undesirable workplace environment. To mitigate this issue, management can insist on group lunches or another outing that allows employees to bond. Drinking after work may seem innocent enough but this can lead to more severe problems down the road if you or a loved one is not careful. When it comes to getting proper help for addiction, North Jersey Recovery Center is the recommended choice.
- Companies should instead suggest activities that encourage camaraderie among coworkers, leading to a healthier and stronger bonding experience and lessening the risk of repercussions brought on by after-work drinks.
- Many of us spend our workdays folded into a desk and hunched over a computer.
- With such a lax approach to alcohol during work hours, it isn’t surprising that alcohol after work has become so commonplace.
- Regular after-work alcohol consumption presents a risk not only to physical health but also to mental well-being.
- A staggering 42% of workers admitted to having gone to work hungover or under the influence of alcohol, with 9% doing so in the past six months alone (source).
We have inpatient and outpatient facilities nearby and across the country ready to help. Getting rid of hangxiety involves resting, avoiding anxiety-provoking challenges during the episode, staying with a supportive person, getting something to eat, and staying hydrated. In some situations, hangxiety can feel like a panic attack, with symptoms of shortness of breath, sweating, and shaking.
