News & Information

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a timely reminder to examine how alcohol impacts our health and how workplace stress can influence some people’s relationship with it. Workplace stress doesn’t always show up as burnout—It can also influence how employees cope, including their relationship with alcohol. Excessive drinking is linked to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It is also the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, following tobacco and obesity, according to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk. Alcohol misuse or abuse is common enough that its effects often appear in the workplace, contributing to lost productivity, absenteeism, injuries, and increased health care costs, according to American Addiction Centers.

For many organizations, these impacts are more than just a concern—They are reality. According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ 2024 Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits Survey Report, 8% of employers cited alcohol addiction as very prevalent among employees, 21% said it was prevalent, and 40% responded that it was somewhat prevalent.

Excessive Alcohol Use

The CDC defines excessive alcohol use as:

• Binge drinking—Consuming four or more drinks for women, or five or more drinks for men during a sitting
• Heavy drinking—Drinking eight or more drinks for women, or 15 or more drinks for men during a week
• Underage drinking—Any alcohol use by people under the age of 21
• Drinking during pregnancy—Any alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Alcohol Use Disorder

American Addiction Centers defines alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a pattern of problematic drinking that causes distress or impairment and may involve loss of control, continued use despite consequences, and physical dependence. Excessive alcohol use can be a sign of AUD or may co-occur with other mental health conditions or substance use challenges. This can negatively impact an employee and the workplace in the following ways:

• Health and safety
• Performance
• Engagement
• Communication
• Productivity
• Worker well-being
• Physical capability and daily functioning.

Workplace Stress and Alcohol Use

Stress is a recognized factor associated with alcohol misuse and abuse. Rates of alcohol use tend to increase with higher income and education levels and are often higher among middle-class professionals than among those living below the poverty line. Research suggests this group may consume more alcohol than other segments of the workforce.

Several workplace factors may contribute to elevated stress levels among these employees, including:

• Continuous stress that builds over time and can become chronic
• Limited control over work decisions, which can lower self-esteem
• Rigid schedules and excessive workloads
• Few opportunities for growth or advancement
• Conflict with supervisors or coworkers
• A lack of meaning or purpose in the workplace
• Unclear performance expectations
• Limited influence within the organization, leading to disengagement and boredom
• Frequent interaction with the public, increasing emotional strain.

Benefits of Drinking Less Alcohol

Drinking less alcohol, or choosing not to drink at all, can have significant benefits for health and well-being. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, incorporating even a few alcohol-free days can lower blood pressure, boost energy, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that drinking less also leads to fewer hangovers and better judgment, coordination, and decision-making. Reducing alcohol consumption can lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, while relationships with family, friends, and colleagues often improve.

Practical Strategies for Workplaces to Support Employees

Workplaces can support alcohol awareness and promote healthier drinking habits by integrating education campaigns into wellness initiatives, fostering supportive environments that empower employees to make informed choices, and encouraging long-term health while reducing risks. Employers can also provide resources and benefits to help employees make positive changes in their alcohol use and overall well-being.

Here are some recommended ideas:

Build awareness through education. Educating employees about the risks associated with alcohol use is one way to emphasize the importance of making informed choices regarding alcohol consumption. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends, at a minimum, providing education on the risks of alcohol use (and other substances) and how to prevent substance use problems. To support a comprehensive approach to well-being, it is also recommended to promote other key health topics such as stress management, healthy eating, and physical activity, particularly as strategies to improve mental well-being. Aligning these efforts with targeted campaigns, like those held during Alcohol Awareness Month, can further increase visibility and engagement across the workforce.

Create supportive environments. Alcohol is often a regular part of workplace culture, present at social gatherings, holiday parties, celebrations, and after-work get-togethers. It is frequently made light of as a stress outlet or coping mechanism, further normalizing its use in professional settings. While some people may choose to continue to enjoy alcohol consumption, this type of language and behavior in the workplace may create challenges for others who are trying to make a change.

To establish a more supportive and inclusive environment, organizations can broaden the focus of workplace events beyond alcohol. This might include offering events and gatherings that focus on more than just drinking, providing mocktails or other nonalcoholic beverages, hosting daytime events, and making the celebrations optional. At the same time, normalizing open conversations around healthy coping strategies can help shift workplace culture toward more inclusive and supportive norms for everyone.

Review resources and benefits. Reviewing resources and benefits to confirm they meet all employee needs, while also ensuring they are effectively communicated, is crucial. According to the International Foundation’s survey report, 14.6% of employers offer onsite support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous. While not only related to alcohol use, 35.8% of employers provide manager/supervisor training on mental health and substance use, and 33.8% offer mental health crisis training, both of which are correlated with supporting employee well-being. In addition to training for employees and leadership on how to best support those struggling with alcohol misuse or abuse, as well as ensuring employees understand their medical benefits, it is also important to prioritize employee assistance programs (EAPs) as a resource to further assist those wanting to make a change.

By providing education, raising awareness, and offering support and alternatives, workplaces can empower employees to make healthier decisions about alcohol and their well-being.

Resources

Alcohol Awareness Month

Full Report: Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits: 2024 Survey Report

SAMHSA Drug-Free Workplace Programs

CDC Online Alcohol Tools and Apps