What can employers do?
- Establish a policy and procedures to address alcohol use and to clearly define organisational expectations of staff.
- Consult with staff – policies and procedures that people understand and agree with are more likely to be implemented.
- Make sure staff are aware of the policy and the consequences for breaching the policy.
- Establish an Employee Assistance Program. The aim of the programme is to provide confidential counselling and training services for staff and to provide support and training for supervisors and managers.
- Provide education and information to staff on a range of issues relating to alcohol use.
- Ensure managerial staff are role models.
What can individuals do?
- Ask if your workplace has an alcohol policy in place and, if there is one, familiarise yourself with it.
- If your workplace does not have an alcohol policy, you may wish to suggest establishing one and participate in its development.
- Support workplace policies relating to alcohol, remembering that the safety and well being of yourself and others is important.
Benefits
Addressing risky alcohol use in the workplace can lead to:
- Reduced risk of injury.
- Reduced risk of damage to infrastructure and equipment.
- Decreased absentee rates.
- Decreased staff turnover.
- Increased productivity.
- Reduced risk of negative publicity associated with alcohol-related incidents.
- Support for helping people overcome alcohol dependency.
- Healthier and happier staff.
- Lower insurance premiums.