Staggering pattern of employees ‘turning to alcohol’ due to job stress revealed | EUROtoday

Almost two thirds of employees are ingesting extra alcohol due of stress or pressures associated to their job, new analysis has discovered.

A survey of two,000 employees by Alcohol Change UK discovered 64 per cent of UK employees reported ingesting alcohol for work-related causes – with job stress, strain and nervousness behind elevated consumption up to now 12 months.

Four in 10 mentioned they drank extra alcohol as a consequence of work-related nervousness, whereas 38 per cent mentioned they drank extra to deal with work stress.

Over a 3rd drank extra alcohol due to strain or deadlines at work and 29 per cent reported elevated alcohol consumption as a consequence of job insecurity

Jane Gardiner, head of consultancy and coaching at analysis group Alcohol Change UK, mentioned: “Although the work we do is hugely varied, this research suggests that in the last year many of us have been drinking more alcohol in an attempt to manage work-related stress, anxiety, pressure and job insecurity.

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“Yet, from poor sleep and hangovers to high blood pressure, depression and other health conditions, alcohol can take a big toll on our health and wellbeing.

“While it may offer short-term relief for some, over time it’s more likely to worsen feelings of stress, anxiety and pressure and lead to a cycle of self-medicating that can be hard to break free from, even if we want to.”

The analysis has been launched to mark the beginning of Alcohol Awareness Week, and located demand from staff for preventative motion and training round alcohol at work.

This 12 months’s theme ‘Alcohol and work’ focuses on how work environments and pressures can affect the best way we drink, and the way we are able to construct more healthy, extra inclusive office cultures.

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More than 8 in 10 of the employees surveyed believed employers have some duty to handle alcohol within the office – however over a 3rd mentioned they really feel extra snug speaking about psychological well being within the office than alcohol.

Ms Gardiner added: “Mirroring the progress seen in mental health in the workplace in recent years to drive conversations, boost compassion and support and reduce stigma, it’s so encouraging to see such strong appetite for alcohol awareness and education from workers.

“What’s hugely positive is that employees appear to recognise that preventative, proactive action is where alcohol factors in – above reactive action when an issue presents itself.

“It’s this kind of support that will start to make alcohol less of a taboo subject, raise awareness of the impact of our drinking habits on our overall health and wellbeing and prevent avoidable alcohol harm before it happens.”