More than 14 million people meet the criteria for an alcohol disorder, with alcohol abuse being a big issue in the US. The effects spill into American work environments, Alcohol abuse in a work environment can result in lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and workplace injuries. An employee’s drinking habits can affect companies no matter how big or small the workplace is.

Keep reading to learn about the risks of alcohol in the workplace and how to recognize if one of your employees may be abusing alcohol, and what to do. 

Signs and Symptoms of abuse of alcohol abuse:

Recognizing signs that suggest an employee or coworker is struggling with alcoholism is key to ensuring your workplace is safe and efficient for not only your business but for your employees.

Look out for the following:

1. Using more alcohol than originally intended, especially at social gatherings or work parties. 

2. Making consistently unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop drinking.

3. Neglecting responsibilities at work or in the home as a result of alcohol use.

Employees who struggle with a drinking problem may be more likely to experience strained relationships and other loss of productivity and increased mental illness symptoms if they abuse alcohol.

Telltale signs of alcohol abuse in an employee are:

1. Smelling alcohol on them or observing nips or other alcohol containers in their offices, cars, or other common areas. 

2. Bloodshot eyes, feeling sick or exhausted.

3. Body shakes. 

4. Reduced productivity or increase in dangerous behaviors at work, such as falling asleep on the job, slurred speech, or poor-decision making.

5. Changes in mood or behavior.

NOTE: Although many of these signs can be due to alcohol abuse, there are some medications or other medical conditions that can mimic these symptoms.

Mood disorders or mental illness, strokes or heat stroke, concussions or other injuries, thyroid conditions, and others may present similarly and must be kept in mind to avoid jumping to conclusions about an employee's alcohol abuse.

Be sure employees have been given proper first aid and CPR training that specifically helps them recognize some of these conditions to help protect your collegues safety.

What to Do If You Suspect an Employee or Co-Worker May Be Abusing Alcohol:

If you spot an employee or coworker that seems like they’re abusing alcohol, approaching them can be a scary thing to do. In these situations, unless you are very close to the coworker or employee, it is best to refer to HR or your supervisor and inform them of your concerns. 

Contact a manager or an HR representative about the employee or coworker, they can meet with them and point out the concerning behaviors and help them seek treatment if they desire it.

They should keep clear and objective documentation of their concerns with specific examples, point out poor patterns of performance or tardiness, give the employee a chance to talk about what’s going on, and assist the employee in getting help or referring them to the company’s employee assistance program (EAP).

The best way to support a coworker struggling with an alcohol abuse disorder is not to ignore a potential issue with alcohol in the workplace.

If you suspect a problem that makes you concerned, talk to your supervisor or human resources.

Do not cover for them by clocking in for them if they are late or covering for them if they leave early if they are hungover or too intoxicated.

Do not loan them money or make excuses for them, as doing so may enable them to continue with these behaviors without repercussions. 

For further reading on the topic of alchol abuse in the workplace, click here.