The Workplace Responds to Alcoholism

When alcoholism exists in the workplace there is always a significant impact on both productivity and worker safety issues. There is also a cost of $33 billion to $68 billion attributed to alcoholism in the workplace, which includes absenteeism. The consequences of alcoholism in the workplace are not just felt by the alcoholic but also by those who work alongside them in the workplace. Injuries and exposure to dangerous safety issues as a result of alcohol are topics that need to be discussed and solutions found.

It is interesting to note however, that the workplace is one area in which the person can encounter an effective prevention program or where many alcohol related problems are identified or interventions initiated that are responsible for helping many individuals take action towards diagnosis and treatment for alcoholism.

One way that workplaces are impacting employees with alcohol-related problems is by implementing comprehensive drug-free programs. These programs are very beneficial to the individuals with the problem and help to provide a safer environment for all employees. These programs typically include:

A clear policy that outlines why the drug free program is being implemented

Explain what behaviors are not tolerated in the workplace

An explanation of what will happen if policy is violated

Supervisors are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and the abuse of alcohol (which is different from alcoholism) and to keep track of performance of each employee. Supervisors are not to diagnosis or counsel employees

Education programs to inform employees of the symptoms of alcoholism and how it impacts the workplace and also how to obtain help if it is suspected that alcoholism exists within the workplace

Create a support system for employees who have alcohol-related issues

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have been instrumental in helping the employees and their families to deal with alcohol and the workplace and to be able to get the help they need such as counseling and other services, which sure beats firing the employee.

An alcohol-free workplace is the responsibility of the owners, supervisors, and employees. In order to have a drug-free workplace there needs to be a way of confronting without overwhelming,

When a drug free workplace program is designed it should be a collaboration effort of both employees and employer and should protect the right to privacy for all individuals in the workplace, be compliant with all local, state and federal laws and meet the needs of all parties with mutual respect for all rights to freedom and safety especially.

Workplace drug and alcohol screening tests can be performed and may include urine tests, saliva tests, hair follicle tests, breathalyzer and blood tests. The testing should be a part of the written policy for a drug free workplace. The policy should specify testing of new hires, random tests of all employees and staff and testing of any employee involved in workplace accidents or when employees are under "reasonable suspicion" of drug and alcohol workplace violations.

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