More than half a million people hungover at work each day

May 28, 2010

Each day more than 520,000 people in Great Britain go to work with a hangover, according to new research by alcohol charity Drinkaware.

The findings, released today, show that the average person goes to work suffering from the effects of too much alcohol three times a month and of those who are hungover, almost one in five admit struggling to keep on top of their workload and to making mistakes (17%). In addition, 7% of people with a hangover have had to leave work early because they were too ill to carry on.

With the World Cup football tournament commencing next month, Drinkaware predicts these figures will increase in June and July, having a direct impact on workplace productivity and safety up and down the country.

The study, which surveyed more than 1000 adults, also revealed contradictory perceptions of drinking with nearly two thirds (60%) of respondents admitting they’ve joked about having a hangover with their colleague or boss, despite nine out of 10 people thinking that having a hangover at work is unacceptable (89%).

Chris Sorek, CEO of Drinkaware, says, “Having a hangover at work doesn’t just affect the person who has drunk to excess. With hundreds of thousands of people going to work every day after a heavy night, it impacts work productivity and even results in employees going home sick.

“An international sporting event like the World Cup will inevitably capture the attention of the nation and is a great time for people to come together, but hangovers at work are likely to increase.”

Drinkaware advise employers to;

• Set out a clear alcohol policy to ensure all employees know what is acceptable.
• Be aware that while many people may joke about having a hangover at work, intoxicated or hungover employees can be disruptive and unproductive, cause accidents and upset other members of staff.
• Question someone who is apparently intoxicated. Employers have a duty of care to their employees and can ask the person to go home. However, any incident should be investigated thoroughly in case there are underlying reasons for the behaviour.

As Dr Katrina Herren, Medical Director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing explains “As an employer, it is important not to ignore the effects of alcohol on employees or the adverse effects it can have on the workplace environment. Employees should also be aware that if someone is regularly coming into work with a hangover this could be a sign of wider alcohol or mental health problems.”

Connaught provides expert support to employers and dutyholders, ensuring they comply with legislation. We can undertake general workplace risk assessments, but can also carry out task or hazard specific assessments. Further information can be found at: http://www.health-and-safety-management.co.uk/

To ensure you comply with the legal requirements for a safe working environment, Connaught provides a full range of occupational health assessment services (including drug and alcohol testing) to identify risk, improve safety and protect productivity. Further details can be found at: http://www.connaughtoccupationalhealth.co.uk/