Drunk at Work: What HR Can Do About Employees Drinking on the Job

drinking after work

If that makes you grumble, consider that anxiety and other hangover symptoms aren’t the worst side effects of evenings spent getting drunk with colleagues. She told me she often receives questions from people who feel compelled to drink at work https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and don’t want to. One letter writer even worried about being too uptight after a higher-up cracked a beer during a job interview. Those in the professional class also struggle with substance abuse, possibly fueled by after work drinking.

drinking after work

Is it bad to drink alcohol after working out?

Additionally, stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, or engaging in hobbies can offer the relief traditionally sought from alcohol. Ultimately, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the impacts of after-work drinking after work drinking on their heart health and to practice moderation to prevent long-term damage. Educating oneself about the potential risks and making informed decisions about alcohol consumption can help safeguard cardiovascular health.

  • After-work drinking culture has traditionally been a staple of certain professional environments, serving as a means of socializing, networking, and unwinding after a long day.
  • Some people rely on alcohol use and drinking after work to relieve their stress.
  • “The one-year mark is when your overall risk of different cancers has leveled off,” says Dr. Mosquera.
  • Think of the ocean, the urge is a huge wave, you know it’s big and it’s strong but it will subside if you hang in there.
  • As workplace drinking culture comes under scrutiny, it becomes clear that alternative, more inclusive team-building activities should be explored to foster a healthy work environment.
  • Employees can get to know each other on a more personal level, which can translate into working together more cohesively.

How to avoid the downsides

drinking after work

Alcohol felt like a good stress reliever at first, but now it feels more “gross” than good. It’s making you feel crummy, and you’re craving the energy and clarity you had before this habit began. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. He called on companies to “help to change the culture of a workplace” and make it healthier and more productive by organising alcohol-free work events.

End Office Happy Hours

Unfortunately for most, there is an inevitable spillover that not only impacts the individual and their families, but their coworkers and businesses as well. If you decide you’re going to drink alcohol, why not set a limit for what you’re going to drink before you go out? Then keep a mental note of what you have as the night wears on so you stick to it. Our MyDrinkaware app will help you track the number of units and calories in different types and brands of drinks – and stick to the low risk alcohol unit guidelines of no more than 14 units per week for both and women. Drinking on the job means consuming alcohol during work hours, which can impair performance, judgment and safety, negatively impacting both the individual and workplace productivity and environment.

  • According to UK data published by the NHS in 2022, there has been a gradual decrease in people’s maximum daily alcohol consumption.
  • If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
  • In light of these findings, there’s a call for integrated screening and treatment strategies that address both substance use and mental health, as well as a reduction in stigma to encourage more individuals to seek help.
  • Preventative interventions in the workplace may serve as a primary prevention strategy for alcohol misuse, benefiting both the employee’s well-being and the employer’s operational success.
  • While your co-workers may want to drink with you, it is okay to say ‘no’.
  • According to the Alcohol.org survey, 10% of bosses don’t mind getting drunk in front of employees, which greatly increases the risk of creating an uncomfortable workplace.
  • Still, while alcohol won’t help you gain muscle mass, it probably won’t hinder your recovery.
  • Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services.

At AAC, we’re open and committed to providing critical care in a safe environment, even during the ongoing pandemic. If you’re ready to quit drinking and reclaim your life from addiction, call now, or click to chat. You can also suggest sober activities to your company’s HR department. Sober team-building activities that offer fun experiences can often prove more valuable than spending a few hours at a bar with coworkers. Escape rooms, bowling, mini-golf, or dinner shows can be great sober activities to help build connections with your coworkers. While your co-workers may want to drink with you, it is okay to say ‘no’.

drinking after work