Are there special problems with alcohol in the workplace?
Alcohol problems sometimes stem from an attempt to cope with an underlying problem such as stress, relationship difficulties, depression or bereavement. The result can be that the underlying problems, rather than being addressed, are exacerbated by drinking and the alcohol use itself becomes a problem. In the case of an employee experiencing an alcohol problem, this could be additionally linked to workplace stress or an organisational culture that encourages or tolerates heavy drinking. A workforce may use drinking as a way of socialising or bonding and even have a workplace bar facility. Other organisations may traditionally use or include drinking in the process of doing business, through lunches for instance. These factors need to be acknowledged if alcohol use affecting the workplace is to be successfully addressed.
