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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?

Parents
  • This point has already been referred to obliquely, but I'd like to address it more specifically:

    Please be careful not to conflate "drunk at work" and "alcoholic". The former is a disciplinary issue that needs investigating and dealing with as any disciplinary matter. The latter is an illness that needs to be managed as such.

    Alcoholism may be offered as mitigation for being noticeably drunk, apparently under the influence or smelling of alcohol. However, alcoholism is a treatable illness and an employee willing to undergo treatment (and who stays on the wagon) can be supported effectively to remain at work.

    By contrast, one who isn't an addict but who simply lacks the discipline or self-control to resist a few drinks that impair performance or affect safety is a disciplinary liability.
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  • This point has already been referred to obliquely, but I'd like to address it more specifically:

    Please be careful not to conflate "drunk at work" and "alcoholic". The former is a disciplinary issue that needs investigating and dealing with as any disciplinary matter. The latter is an illness that needs to be managed as such.

    Alcoholism may be offered as mitigation for being noticeably drunk, apparently under the influence or smelling of alcohol. However, alcoholism is a treatable illness and an employee willing to undergo treatment (and who stays on the wagon) can be supported effectively to remain at work.

    By contrast, one who isn't an addict but who simply lacks the discipline or self-control to resist a few drinks that impair performance or affect safety is a disciplinary liability.
Children
  • in reply to Robey

    Very well-said, Robey!

    I happen to be vaguely connected with a fellow who went to the same local school, who grew up in a comfortable  professional home but with a father ( an industrial medical doctor) who had very many fine qualities but was an alcoholic. As often seems to happen to children of alcoholics, the subject of this tale about 30 years ago found himself sleeping rough on a park bench in New York, himself a homeless and seemingly-hopeless alcoholic.

    He decided though then that enough was enough and hasn't touched an alcoholic drink since then and is now, even in his seventies, one of America's if not the world's leading alcoholic rehabilitation experts with his own thriving practice, far greater prosperity than even his father ever enjoyed and who travels the globe speaking at conferences etc.

    So it's a treatable illness  and we all shouldn't forget that fact and strive as far as far as we reasonably can to help in every way those so afflicted by this serious disorder

  • in reply to David
    I agree whole heartedly- hence we want to be fair and appropriate in managing the concerns raised without a gun-ho approach , which sadly is the approach possibly preferred by senior members of the team.
  • in reply to Melanie

    Sorry, Melanie, I failed until now to see your direct response and just responded to your general  one before that.