A recent report reveals that workplace drinking cultures are leading to increased absences, particularly affecting Gen Z employees. According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), 31% of workers have called in sick in the past year due to work-related drinking. The survey, which included 2,000 adults of working age, highlighted that 24% of respondents sometimes felt pressured to drink against their will, with this figure rising to 38% among individuals aged 18 to 24.
The research also showed that heavy drinkers were three times more likely to engage in presenteeism, exceeding the required hours at work, compared to moderate drinkers. Dr. Jamie O’Halloran, a senior research fellow at IPPR, emphasized the economic impact of alcohol-related issues, stating that it goes beyond public health concerns.
The IPPR paper titled ‘Taking stock: counting the economic costs of alcohol harm’ revealed that 22% of Britons have worked while hungover, and 29% have observed colleagues showing signs of fatigue or sluggishness after drinking. Notably, young workers and senior executives are among the most affected groups.
Despite a general decrease in alcohol consumption among Generation Z, individuals born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s are disproportionately impacted by workplace alcohol-related problems. The report highlighted that 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds have called in sick after attending work-related drinking events, with over a third feeling pressured to drink to fit in or advance professionally.
Sebastian Rees, the head of health at IPPR, pointed out that employers have an opportunity to create more supportive and inclusive workplaces by moving away from alcohol-centric cultures. Providing genuine support can enhance well-being, performance, and overall workplace inclusivity without the need to completely ban alcohol.
In a related development, experts have cautioned parents about the risks of introducing alcohol to children early. The Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) report, presented by Dr. Anna Sallis, highlighted that early alcohol exposure significantly increases the likelihood of binge-drinking, alcoholism, and negatively impacts teenage brain development.
Kate Winstanley, director of CAP, emphasized the misconception that introducing alcohol to children at home promotes responsible drinking. The report underscored that the earlier children are exposed to alcohol, the higher their risk of alcohol-related harm in the future, including binge drinking. Parents allowing their children to drink also increases the likelihood of them seeking alcohol elsewhere.