Take Home Messages:

Risky alcohol consumptions patterns are associated with negative outcomes in the workplace. Workers who engage in risky to high risk alcohol consumption are more likely to take alcohol related sick days.

Employers can improve the situation by implementing workplace education and prevention programmes. Programs need to educate about the risks of high alcohol consumption and target younger employees in particular. 

Why the study matters:

Many workplaces have concerns regarding alcohol use and factors contributing to such use. In 2001, alcohol related absenteeism cost the economy $437 million in work days lost. The relationship between risk levels of alcohol consumption was defined by the National Health Medical Research Council. The guidelines are as follows:

• Males:
  • Low risk - up to 6 standard drinks on one day;
  • Risky - 7-10 standard drinks; and
  • High risk - 11 or more.
• Females:
  • Low risk – up to 4 standard drinks on one day;
  • Risky – 5-6 standard drinks; and
  • High risk – 7 or more.

Understanding the nature of the relationship between alcohol consumption and absenteeism is important. This article looked at how workers’ drinking patterns impact the workplace.  

What the study involved:

The National Health and Medical Research Council distributed questionnaires to 26,744 Australians aged 14 years or over. They collected data on awareness, attitudes and behaviour relating to alcohol from July to December 2001.

Questions were asked regarding:

• Alcohol consumption;
• Absenteeism; and
• Employment status.

Summary of study findings:

The researchers found more than 40% of workers consumed alcohol at risky or high-risk levels at least occasionally.

Alcohol related absenteeism

• Workers who drink at risky/high risk levels are 22 times more likely to be absent from work due to alcohol use;
• Males and younger workers are more likely to take an alcohol-related sick day; and
• Certain industries and occupational groups at greater risk.

Illness/injury related absenteeism

• Workers who regularly drink at risky or high risk levels are more likely to take a day off work due to illness/injury.

Employees’ patterns of risky alcohol consumption have a wide range of negative impacts for the work place. Widespread workplace education programs are needed. Programs need to:

• Highlight implications of workers’ risky consumption levels;
• Target young workers in particular;
• Have a widespread workplace approach; and
• Address prevention and policy strategies.

Original research:

Workers' drinking patterns- the impact on absenteeism in the Australian work-place Roche AM, Pidd K, Berry JG, Harrison JE.

Addiction. 2008 May;103(5):738-48.

Link to Pubmed abstract