Alcohol in the workplace - Understanding the risks and cost, and supporting employee wellbeing
Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on employee health, workplace safety, and overall productivity. Even moderate drinking can impair cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of errors, accidents, and reduced performance, especially in safety critical sectors like construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Over time, chronic alcohol use can lead to serious health conditions that increase absenteeism, drive up healthcare and insurance costs, and reduce workforce effectiveness, placing a sustained burden on businesses.
It's not just the workplace where the impact is felt. Alcohol-related harm costs the NHS in England £4.9 billion each year for alcohol-related hospital admissions, outpatient and A&E visits, ambulance callouts, costs for dependency drugs and specialist treatment services. The wider impact on society is even more far reaching. The total cost of alcohol harm to society in England is estimated at £27.4 billion each year due to crime and disorder, lost productivity and social services costs. We all have a role to play in reducing the impact on the NHS, the wider economy and public services.
In July we are shining a light on the effects of alcohol on employee health and the impact on the workplace for Alcohol Awareness Week (7th-13th July) run by charity Alcohol Change UK. Here we explore the impact that alcohol consumption can have, and what employers need to consider in their approach to employee health and wellbeing.
The prevalence of alcohol-related issues in the workplace
Research shows that alcohol use contributes to both presenteeism (being at work but underperforming) and absenteeism (missing work altogether). It can also normalise unproductive or unethical behaviours, lower morale, and reduce motivation across teams.
Certain industries are more vulnerable to alcohol-related issues, including:
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Construction and mining
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Hospitality and entertainment
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Utilities and wholesale sectors
However, risk factors extend beyond industry type. Employees are more likely to experience alcohol-related issues if they:
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Work irregular or night shifts
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Face high stress or physical demands
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Have low job security or limited control over their workload
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Experience workplace conflict or organisational change
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Are part of a workplace culture where drinking is normalized
Remote working and alcohol
Emerging evidence suggests that remote and hybrid working arrangements may increase alcohol consumption. With fewer barriers and less supervision, employees working from home may be more able to conceal problematic drinking habits, or more likely to consume alcohol in working hours.
Socialisation in the workplace
Alcohol often plays a role in workplace culture - whether through after-work drinks, team celebrations, or networking events. While these occasions can foster connection, they may also alienate those who are uncomfortable with alcohol or trying to cut back.
The long-term cost for businesses
With around 10 million people in the UK drinking at levels that could harm their health, and three-quarters of the population in employment, the workplace is a key setting for identifying and addressing alcohol-related issues.
Long-term alcohol use significantly increases the risk of serious health problems, including liver disease (such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis), heart conditions like high blood pressure and stroke, and at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth, throat, and liver cancer. It also contributes to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, cognitive decline and memory loss, a weakened immune system, and greater vulnerability to infections.
Alcohol-related health issues can increase business costs through higher private medical insurance (PMI) claims and premiums, driven by these chronic conditions. These issues also contribute to long-term absenteeism, delaying employee recovery and reducing productivity, equivalent to millions of lost workdays annually. In response, some employers are adopting cost-containment strategies such as guided care pathways and benefit reductions. The dual impact of alcohol misuse and mental health further inflates treatment complexity and costs. To mitigate risks, many employers are adopting preventative health and wellbeing strategies, incorporating a focus on reducing alcohol-related harm through awareness, education, early intervention, and support services aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices among employees.
Practical ways to support employees
Supporting employees to make healthier choices around alcohol doesn’t just benefit individuals, it boosts productivity, morale, and workplace safety. Here’s how employers can take action:
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Develop a clear alcohol policy – this should focus on support and early intervention rather than punishment.
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Provide education and training - raise awareness about the risks of alcohol and promote healthier habits.
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Encourage a supportive culture - create an environment where employees feel safe to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment.
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Offer access to health assessments and support services – regular health assessments can help identify early signs conditions that are impacted by alcohol consumption and guide employees towards appropriate support.
A healthier workplace starts with you
Even small changes in drinking habits can lead to better sleep, improved mood, sharper focus, and higher energy levels. By taking proactive steps, employers can foster a healthier, more productive workforce.
How Bluecrest can help
Bluecrest's health assessment packages for businesses all include a Liver Function Test. This test can help to detect any liver damage or signs of liver disease and help evaluate the overall health of the liver.
Should the liver stop working effectively, this can lead to liver failure and other health implications. The Liver Function Test can help to detect disease or monitor changes in the liver. This test checks the levels of specific proteins and enzymes in the blood to assess the overall liver health.
