Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace
Today we want to share 6 key takeaways about alcohol abuse in the workplace. The HR department has one of the hardest jobs in the workplace. While supervisors are the eyes and ears, there are certain things that completely blow the rulebook wide open. Alcoholism in the workplace can be an issue, and here are some important things to consider.
1. Thinking Ahead
Before you get to a dangerous point, consider an alcohol addiction treatment near you. Alcohol abuse takes place after several failed attempts to reign in your own personal habits. There are plenty of chances to stop it before it reaches a dangerous point that could cost you employment. By getting ahead of the problem, you’ll avoid 99% of the issues associated with alcohol abuse in the workplace.
Don’t let a bit of denial prevent you from avoiding the most common mistake with addiction.
2. Coworkers Know
Gossiping is a natural part of any workplace. Watercooler conversations revolve around the latest big thing in the company. In the case of alcohol abuse, coworkers will be talking about you. And when enough coworkers start talking about a single person, HR gets a whiff of the stench. At that point, you’re getting micromanaged on a level that would make anyone stress out. In some cases, individuals wise up and lay off of the alcohol. In other cases, the added stress makes them drink even more.
Being known as the alcoholic at work will single you out in the worst possible way.
3. Networking
Networking at company events is an interesting puzzle. Alcoholic drinks are served as a flavor to the event, but not as a full indulgence. Once you get the reputation for downing too much alcohol while networking, word will get around. This is different from common workplace gossip since you are out there as a representative of the company. Getting drunk on the company’s dime is not a good look, and can easily lead to loss of privileges or employment.
The easiest way to destroy any upward advancement in your career is to abuse alcohol while networking.
4. Being Late
Everyone is late, but for different reasons. Some people have to take their kids to school, some people take public transportation. Excuses are everywhere, but there is a big difference when comparing reasonable excuses for being late. Having a hangover is not a reason to be late to work. This gets worse when the person that abuses alcohol shows up late and is also the first one to leave.
Tardiness is expected, but will quickly become a problem when the excuses always lead to alcohol.
5. Efficiency
When your production drops off, the company will invest time into finding out why. Most companies have a form of a ‘personal improvement plan’. It is just a polite way of saying that they won’t write you up, but if things don’t get better, there will be a problem.
When your efficiency takes a nose dive, it has the potential to shine a light on your personal drinking habits.
6. Keep Your Head on Straight
No one wants to see an employee spiral out of control. Alcohol is an individual issue that can quickly affect everyone in your workplace. Stop it from happening, or seek help before it gets worse.
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