HR Industry News

15% of UK office workers have turned up drunk

— 8 May 2008 —

Research out today shows that 15% of UK office workers have turned up to work drunk, while one in three have gone to work hungover.

The inevitable decline in productivity is especially highlighted in the survey, which shows that:

• 54% thought their bosses had noticed a dip in productivity
• 36% found it hard to concentrate
• 35% agreed they were less productive
• 25% did the minimum amount of work and went home early
• 10% admitted to making “lots of mistakes”

Those working in media or creative roles are allegedly the heaviest drinkers, with 41% admitting to going to work while under the influence.

77% of bosses believe that alcohol is the main threat to employee wellbeing, resulting in a rise in sickness absence. Dr Douglas Wright from Norwich Union Healthcare, who carried out the research, said that “It seems that alcohol and the workplace often do go hand in hand. Sadly, alcohol use is associated with a number of medical conditions which can cause significant morbidity and therefore affect performance and attendance at work.

"It's essential that companies have a robust drug and alcohol policy and procedure to tackle and, where possible, prevent any problems developing.”

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