How to combat substance-related absenteeism
Drugs and alcohol in the workplace
A Health and Safety Executive survey reveals that 13 per cent of the working respondents they polled, reported that they had used drugs in the previous year. Estimates show that alcohol causes three to five per cent of all absences from work. How much is this costing your company?
Effects of alcohol in the workplace
Alcohol and drug misuse by employees can 
cause an increase in absenteeism and accidents as well as a decrease in performance, productivity, customer service and employee engagement. The government recommends a weekly alcohol limit of 21 units for men, and 14 for women. However, many people exceed this on a regular basis, and alcohol sales in the UK are rising. Now that licensing laws have been relaxed, recreational drinking is more accessible than ever before. Can you afford for your customers to have a bad experience or for your sickness absence rates to rise?
Spotting the signs
Do your managers know how to spot the signs of a drug or alcohol problem? Some behaviours such as sudden mood changes, aggression or irritability, problems concentrating, increased occurences of short-term sickness absence, lateness, and problems with colleagues may be caused by a drug or alcohol problem. However, they may also be caused by stress at home or at work or other factors. Do your managers know what to do if they suspect one of their employees has a problem?
Health and wellness
Ceridian's EAP: LifeWorks, can help your managers to:
- Spot the signs of a drug or alcohol problem
- Deal with the problem, using a number of different methods
- Manage the rest of the team at this difficult time.
LifeWorks can also help those employees with drug or alcohol problems by providing:
- Information
- Practical advice
- Short term counselling, if necessary
- Referrals to local support groups.
Contact us to find out more about Ceridian's EAP, LifeWorks.
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Ceridian provides this information to its customers and friends for general information
purposes only. This information should not be construed as Ceridian providing legal, tax or other advice
to any specific individual or organisation. Please consult your appropriate adviser for specific advice.
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