Alcohol and lockdown could be a dangerous cocktail for employees

The coming months are likely to be a struggle for problem drinkers in your workforce and around the country. The long winter period is rolling in, with grey days, dark nights and lockdowns keeping us indoors. Many are already finding this time isolating and depressing. 

Add to that the challenges of home working, with little structure and without the social norms that might prevent daytime drinking, and you have a dangerous cocktail that all employers should consider and address.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the number of people drinking at high-risk levels has doubled since lockdown. And while it's positive that a significant number of people have reduced their drinking in recent months – there's less opportunity for a quick 5pm pint with colleagues when you're working from your spare room – many of those drinking more now were already drinking heavily before lockdown hit. 

It's hard to quantify the impact of problem drinking and alcohol dependency. The CIPD estimates that between 3 and 5 per cent of all workplace absence can be attributed to alcohol. If you include some of the side effects of alcohol the figure is likely to be far higher.

Alcohol is closely linked to many cancers and liver conditions, which can lead to extended periods of sickness absence. It is also linked to poor mental health and relationship issues, which again can impact an employee's productivity or ability to function in a particular role. 

Employer attitudes to alcohol have changed significantly over the years. In some sectors – such as in the City – excessive drinking with clients and colleagues was for a long time a fact of life. That's now changing rapidly.

Other sectors have always been required to take a zero-tolerance approach, for obvious reasons. If you're driving a vehicle, operating heavy machinery or working with vulnerable people, there is no 'acceptable' alcohol level. Testing is routine and straightforward for many of the organisations we support.

Of course, employers need to strike a sensible risk-based approach. Drinking alcohol in moderation, outside of work, shouldn't be judged by an employer. Many of us enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or at a pub with colleagues. Drinking within the Government guidelines is unlikely to lead to serious health issues for most.

But what are some of the actions an employer can take to support their employees who may be problem drinking or dealing with alcohol dependency?

We've compiled some suggestions, as part of Alcohol Awareness Week and Dry January, looking at how employers can support employees who may be problem drinking or dealing with alcohol dependency.