Alcohol in the Workplace, A Prevalent but Problematic Issue

It’s no secret that many of us enjoy an adult beverage from time to time. After a long week, meeting friends at the bar for drinks is a common way to unwind. However, bringing alcohol into the actual workplace can cause serious problems that impact both employers and employees.

As the research shows, alcohol use during working hours is distressingly common. From chugging beers on your lunch break to spiking your coffee with a secret flask of whiskey, too many folks see boozing on the job as no big deal. But the fact is, being buzzed or tipsy at work impacts your performance and your coworkers’ safety.

Alcohol is a depressant that slows your cognitive and motor skills. Even moderate drinking hinders important functions like decision-making, multitasking, and problem-solving. Ever tried to code or do detailed paperwork after a couple of glasses of wine? You’re likely to make careless mistakes.

Drinking at work also increases accidental risks. Whether you’re operating heavy machinery, driving a work vehicle, or doing physical labor, being impaired raises the chance of an injury for you or someone else. Employers are rightfully worried about liability if accidents occur.

Then there’s the impact on colleagues. No one wants to be around a coworker who’s half in the bag, especially if they start getting belligerent or sloppy. It creates an uncomfortable environment and makes it hard to get work done. Using alcohol to manipulate others, as the scenario describes, crosses an ethical l