Three Warning Signs of Alcoholism in the Work Place

3. Attitude and Behavioral Problems

Often the first thing noticed in someone suffering from alcoholism is their mood and behavior.

Coming into work with a hang-over is always noticeable. Irritable, sensitive to light, and sometimes headaches.

Coworkers may realize and then joke about their mood change. But when it becomes a daily inconvenience, it is HR’s responsibility to intervene.

The problem becomes more apparent if the employee is often secretive or guarded, hiding liquor in their desk; stealing sips when no one is looking.

Dishonesty becomes a norm, making excuses for their nasty behavior to others or their lethargic productivity.

Over 92% of people afflicted with alcoholism do not receive the care they need causing their employers to flip the bill for lost productivity and medical expenses.

Signs of an Alcoholic

Signs of alcoholism can be subtle but grow as alcohol use becomes more frequent. Obvious physical signs include smelling alcohol on the breath, slurred speech, a puffy face, and red eyes.

Emotional signs can be severe irritability or being easily angered. Those who experience physical alcohol dependence can be self-medicating to cope with a co-occurring disorder or trauma.

As the drinking worsens, the individual may not go 24 hours without needing a drink.

The alcoholic will rationalize or take risks to continue drinking throughout the day.

Common behaviors associated with alcoholism or alcohol addictions include not showing up for work or bringing alcohol in a concealed container to work.

At home, where drinking was once a social endeavor, the individual may begin drinking in secrecy and therefore begin isolating themselves from their family or friends.

You may notice a significant behavior change in them and intuitively know that something is wrong, especially if you have known this person for a significant amount of time.

As the problem worsens, the signs become more obvious. Individuals experiencing issues with alcohol may become very defensive in answering any questions from family, friends, and employers.

Eventually, family, friends, and co-workers will want to confront the issue, and it may not be easy to bring the individual out of denial.

Hopefully, the individual will speak up for themselves and ask for help.

You Have the Power to Choose

As HR, you are given the authority to choose.

Could this incident be a write-up?
Could this incident be a verbal warning?
How must the employee change their behavior and what time frame is needed?

It is your responsibility to gauge the level of disciplinary action. When dealing with alcohol or drug abuse, people tend to lean on termination than any other solution.

We are here to offer another choice that is more cost-effective for your company in the long term.

A choice to provide your employees with a level of care would encourage productive behavior upon returning from treatment. Trust in us to address your struggling employee’s alcohol problem in a discrete and timely fashion.