More than a quarter (26%) of respondents aged between 18 and 34 believe their employer contributes to unhealthy levels of drinking among staff, according to research by Willis PMI Group.
The survey of 1,197 employees also found that just 16% of respondents are offered health advice on alcohol consumption by their employer.
The research also found:
- 17% of 18 to 34-year-old respondents admit to going into work with a hangover that caused them to be less productive at least 30 times in the past 12 months, and 5% of respondents aged 35-64 admit to doing so.
- 35% of male respondents have gone to work with a hangover, compared to 18% of female respondents.
- 11% of male respondents regularly go into work while suffering from a hangover, compared to 4% of female respondents.
- 28% of all employee respondents confess to having had a hangover at work.
- 90% of 55 to 64-year-old respondents have never been to work with a hangover.
Mike Blake, director at Willis PMI Group, said: “This study reveals binge drinking is costing British business dear and fires a warning shot across the bows of managers and HR departments. Employers would be wise to address the issue by reviewing their workplace culture and conditions to ensure they’re not inadvertently stoking the flames of alcohol misuse.
“Tackling the drinking habits of employees can be challenging, but advice and guidance on attitudes towards alcohol and sensible drinking can be included in an organisation’s health and wellbeing strategy. Support and interventions, such as employee assistance programme services can help employees with alcohol-related problems.”