Addiction can create big problems in the workplace, costing you money, endangering the lives of employees, and damaging workplace morale. So how do you spot a problem with drugs or alcohol in your workplace?
Signs of Addiction in the Workplace
Leave and attendance
- Unexplained or unauthorized absences from work
- Frequent tardiness
- Excessive use of sick leave
- Patterns of absence, such as the day after payday or frequent Monday or Friday absences
- Frequent unplanned absences due to “emergencies” (e.g. household repairs, car trouble, family emergencies, legal problems)
Performance problems
- Missed deadlines
- Careless, sloppy work or incomplete assignments
- Unmet production quotas
- Multiple excuses for incomplete assignments or missed deadlines
- Faulty analysis
Relationships and behavior at work
- Strained relationships with co-workers
- Belligerent, argumentative, or short-tempered toward others, especially in the mornings or after weekends or holidays
- Becoming a “loner”
- Noticeable financial problems, evidenced by borrowing money from other employees or receiving phone calls at work from creditors or collection companies
Physical appearance
The appearance of being inebriated or under the influence might include:
- The smell of alcohol or unusual smells on breath, body or clothing
- Staggering, unsteady gait or impaired coordination
- Bloodshot eyes or larger or smaller pupils than usual
- Mood and behavior changes such as excessive laughter and inappropriate loud talk
- Excessive use of mouthwash or breath mints
- Avoidance of supervisory contact, especially after lunch
- Tremors
- Sleeping on duty
Don’t Jump to Conclusions
Keep in mind that these signs could also be the result of another condition, such as mental illness or chronic pain. Don’t assume that any specific behavior change is the result of an addiction. If you do see these signs along with a decline in performance, it might be time to refer your employee to an EAP for an assessment.
Help Them Heal
Your employees are your most valuable asset. Providing them with help is good for them, but it’s also in your long-term best interest as well.
We’re here to help you do what it takes to care for your employees. If you or an employee needs help to overcome an addiction, please call us today.