From uninsured losses to workplace injuries, from absenteeism to addiction, alcohol consumption can have a major impact on the workplace. Lost productivity alone costs the UK economy more than £7 billion annually. What’s more, the impact of alcohol abuse on the employee and those around them is a wellbeing issue that all employers need to be alert to, especially with many now choosing to work from home.

Alcohol at Work: Tackling Workplace Drinking to Improve Wellbeing will guide health and safety professionals through the practical steps that they can take to mitigate risk and improve wellbeing, safeguarding and inclusivity. The book explores key topics such as driving legislation, the use of alcohol testing, stressful jobs and designing and implementing an alcohol policy that uses practical examples that highlight common workplace scenarios. It translates evidence-based research into workable solutions using tools that enable organisations to influence workplace culture, policies and practices so they can meet their legal obligations and ensure a thriving workforce. It delves into the legal aspects of alcohol abuse at work, offering treatment and adopting an alcohol and well-being policy for a business. This comprehensive guide will help the reader to understand and adopt practices that mitigate the risks of employees developing an alcohol problem and ensure that employers can tackle the issue head-on should it arise.

This book is an essential read for any professional in occupational health and safety, human resources, business and management, policy creation, insurance and corporate governance.

Lauren Booker has worked for over 20 years in the alcohol sector and specialises in supporting the private sector to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote employee well-being. She also regularly advises firms on the development and implementation of effective policies and practices around alcohol and the workplace. She is a qualified alcohol treatment practitioner and has extensive experience as an alcohol counsellor and coach. Lauren has advised the UK government on the development of a model alcohol policy for employers, is an experienced speaker at national wellbeing events and runs a blog on alcohol.