Substance abuse and working life

Substance abuse problems are relatively common. Various studies show that as many as about 50% of working-age men and about 25% of women consume too much alcohol. As many as 70% of those addicted to alcohol are employed. It is the employer’s responsibility to intervene if there is reason to suspect that an employee has a substance abuse problem that affects their work.

Intervention is important, not only for the well-being of the individual but also from an organizational point of view; heavy alcohol consumption increases sickness absences, contributes to the risk of disability retirement and unemployment and reduces the productivity of work.

A significant risk to work ability and occupational safety

Alcohol-related production losses are estimated to be as high as EUR 500–600 million per year. According to an estimate, 7% of all sickness absences is caused by intoxicants – this would be the equivalent of approximately 10,000 man-years.

Substance abuse problems among people of working age are relatively common

Studies show that 40–47% of working-age men and 24–26% of women consume too much alcohol. Approximately 10–15% of men become addicted to alcohol at some point in their lives. For women, the figure is lower but on the rise. Approximately 70% of alcohol-dependent people are employed.

A worrying development in the 2020s

Although the overall consumption of intoxicants has decreased in the 2020s, the consumption has increased among those who were already heavy users.

Support for supervisors to identify substance abuse problems

Supervisors play a key role in identifying substance abuse problems. Our checklist helps supervisors identify substance abuse and gives them tools to address the issue. According to Sanna Eronen, Chief Occupational Health Psychologist at Terveystalo, it is respectful and caring to be open and direct about an issue. Even though speaking up is difficult, postponing the discussion poses a much greater risk.

Download the free checklist

A new model for the assessment and treatment of workplace substance abuse risks in occupational health

First, a workplace risk assessment is carried out, which assesses the risks that an intoxicated employee in the workplace can pose to occupational safety, well-being at work as well as the company’s finances and image. On the basis of the risk assessment, it is possible to evaluate the screening of substance abuse during health examinations.

On the basis of the risk assessment, an assessment is made on the screening of substance abuse with laboratory tests during health examinations. Substance abuse can be screened with using urine drug tests and laboratory tests that measure heavy consumption of alcohol.

We train supervisors to identify and bring up substance abuse problems and take measures. Our online coaching provides practical and comprehensive information and tools. The coaching is suited for supervisors of workplaces of all sizes.

Tools to address substance abuse problems – Online coaching

Ensure that your company’s supervisors have the necessary information and tools to address workplace substance abuse problems at an early stage.

Terveystalo’s online coaching offers supervisors information and tools to identify and bring up substance abuse problems and take action at an early stage. The coaching is suited for supervisors of workplaces of all sizes and can be completed completely remotely when it best suits your schedule.

Learn more about the online coaching

Latest articles

Article

Organization culture can contribute to substance abuse problems

The use of substances is not a new phenomenon, as throughout the ages people have been intrigued by changing everyday reality with various chemical substances. Majority of the working-age population uses intoxicants, but mainly for controlled and moderate recreational use, which does not cause significant problems. On the other hand, certain factors in working life also increase the risk of substance abuse. In this case, the organization culture is important: does the culture support recovery with non-intoxicating means and encourages sensitive handling of deviations, or does it perhaps feed possible substance abuse problems.

Supervisors play a key role in identifying substance abuse problems

Alcohol is a legal intoxicant used by the majority of Finns. In principle, the employer does not have the right to interfere in the leisure activities of its staff, but in situations where the use of intoxicants during free time affects work, intervening is justified. It is the supervisors’ responsibility to not hesitate to ask questions if they are concerned about an employee's behavior. According to Sanna Eronen, Chief Occupational Health Psychologist at Terveystalo, it is respectful and caring to be open and direct about an issue, but intervening in another person’s behavior is something that most people prefer to avoid. Even though speaking up is difficult, postponing the discussion poses a much greater risk.

Addressing substance abuse problems in the working environment – the earlier, the better

Substance abuse problems are relatively common. Various studies show that as many as about 50% of working-age men and about 25% of women consume too much alcohol. As many as 70% of those addicted to alcohol are employed. It is the employer's responsibility to intervene if there is reason to suspect that an employee has a substance abuse problem that affects their work. Intervention is important, not only for the well-being of the individual but also from an organizational point of view; heavy alcohol consumption increases sickness absences, contributes to the risk of disability retirement and unemployment and reduces the productivity of work.

Download the free checklist

A checklist is useful when an employee is suspected of problematic substance use or other addiction affecting work ability. Learn to identify substance abuse problems in the work community with the help of a checklist. Subscribe it to your email.