Alcohol Misuse Costs Irish Workplaces €8.5 Billion Annually

A recent report reveals that alcohol misuse is inflicting a staggering cost of approximately €8.5 billion annually on Irish workplaces due to lost productivity. The findings come from Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), an advocacy group dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm. This financial burden is prompting AAI to urge the government to implement stronger measures to address what it describes as a significant economic and social issue.

The report, titled Alcohol’s Cost to the Workplace, outlines the detrimental effects of harmful drinking not only on individual employees but also on employer performance and the broader economy. Although the implications of alcohol misuse on public health, healthcare expenses, crime, and road safety are widely acknowledged, this report specifically highlights its impact on employment and productivity.

Workplace Culture and Alcohol Misuse

One notable finding of the report is how workplace culture can inadvertently promote unhealthy drinking habits. Social norms within certain environments, combined with inadequate support systems, can perpetuate these patterns. AAI emphasizes that both employers and trade unions play a crucial role in mitigating alcohol-related harm by fostering supportive work environments. Positive initiatives include fair treatment, recognition, opportunities for skills development, and the establishment of social support networks among colleagues and supervisors.

The report provides alarming details on how alcohol consumption directly affects productivity. It reveals that heavy drinkers are 22 times more likely to miss work due to alcohol-related issues compared to low-risk drinkers. More concerning, however, is the phenomenon of “presenteeism,” where employees attend work but are unable to perform effectively due to health or emotional challenges. According to AAI, 77 percent of productivity losses stem from presenteeism, while 23 percent are attributed to absenteeism.

Long-term Implications of Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol misuse also significantly heightens the risk of long-term unemployment. Research indicates that heavy drinkers are up to five times more likely to face joblessness than light drinkers. Dr. Sheila Gilheany, chief executive of AAI, highlighted the extensive nature of the issue, noting, “Alcohol is by far the most used psychoactive substance in the workforce. Many people consume it in harmful patterns that heighten the risk of social, legal, medical, occupational, and economic problems.”

The report further reveals that over half of Irish drinkers fall into the hazardous category, with approximately 578,000 people qualifying for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of these, around 90,000 individuals are considered to be at a severe level of dependence.

Beyond the impact on productivity, alcohol-related impairment presents significant safety risks. Employees under the influence or experiencing hangovers are more prone to cause accidents, injuries, and disruptions in the workplace. The consequences are multifaceted: employees suffer in terms of health and performance, colleagues face increased workloads, and employers experience a decline in competitiveness.

Overall, the financial toll of alcohol harm on the Irish economy is estimated at about €14 billion annually, accounting for 2.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), with workplace losses constituting the largest share. AAI insists that the government must take decisive action to mitigate this damaging trend.