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Alcoholism at work

Melanie

I’m looking for some advice about how best to manage alcoholism in the work place? Reports from teams members have indicated that alcohol can be smelt on one of their colleagues, there have been no concerns raised in regards to performance nor has sickness/ absence been a concern.However, the smell of alcohol remains a persistent concern. We want to be responsive to concerns however, unsure as to how to proceed fairly and sensitively.

 

Any advice?

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  • Hi Melanie, if you can please do a quick search for historic threads on this topic as it does crop up from time to time. What David P alludes to - and I do agree with him - what is the evidence to support that this individual is an alcoholic? Sometimes this smell can also be an indicator of something else which is not alcohol-related so please do have a dig for historic discussions as well. :-)
  • in reply to Clare
    Hi Clare,
    There are concerns that the person 'smells' of alcohol at work, however this doesn’t necessarily indicate that they are an alcoholic. This is however a recurrent an persist concern raised by colleagues. I am looking for advice specific to the situation but also in a broader context and how best to manage alcoholism in the workplace. Thank you for the advice I will take a look at other threads.
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  • in reply to Clare
    Hi Clare,
    There are concerns that the person 'smells' of alcohol at work, however this doesn’t necessarily indicate that they are an alcoholic. This is however a recurrent an persist concern raised by colleagues. I am looking for advice specific to the situation but also in a broader context and how best to manage alcoholism in the workplace. Thank you for the advice I will take a look at other threads.
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  • in reply to Melanie
    Then if you don't know whether they are an alcoholic, I think I'd treat it just the sameway you may deal with any other suspected drugs usage.

    If someone comes into work smelling of alcohol, then they'll have it in their bloodstream, which may mean their ability to carry out their work may be impaired.

    Do they drive?
    Does their work require precise calculations, skill and so on?
    Might they be a risk to others?
    Is the smell actually alcohol?

    I'd really suggest having a private word and seeing what they say and take it from there. If you have further concerns you could always refer them to an OHP provider to ascertain more info. But so far.........
  • in reply to David Perry

    Just to observe that this thread seems to illustrate well the concept of 'reasonable belief' and its criticality / applicability.

    Your policy, Melanie I think sounds about right, if possibly a little vague. Smelling strongly of alcohol in a customer or even client - facing role is potentially involving performance at work and requires full and proper and fair and sensitive further investigation. More than that, one cannot have any reasonable belief about, in the circumstances - but seem to be back where I first began, so will shut up now....