Conference paper
THE COST OF ALCOHOL IN THE WORKPLACE IN BELGIUM
Juan Tecco
; Department of Psychiatry, CHUP-MB, Mons, Belgium
Denis Jacques
; Psychosomatic Medicine Department, Catholic University of Louvain, University Hospital Center of Mont-Godinne, Yvoir, Belgium
Lieven Annemans
; Ghent University and Brussels University (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
Abstract
Background: It has been suggested that alcohol problems have a major impact in the workplace. It has long been recognized
that misuse can have serious consequences for the productivity of workers. The extent of the problem is still an uncalculated cost.
Few studies provide clear evidence of a cause, effect or relationship between substance abuse and workplace costs and valuable
guidance to employers in evaluating the cost of substance abuse in their workplaces is missing.
Objective: To estimate the awareness, policies and cost to employers of drinking in the workplace in Belgium and to illustrate the
potential gains from drinking cessation provision. Costs vary with type of industry and policy in place; therefore, to estimate these
costs, results from a survey were combined with evidence drawn from a review of literature.
Study design: An Internet survey of 216 workplaces in Belgium, based on a stratified random sample of workplaces with 50 or
more employees, was conducted in 2005. Further information was collected from 150 occupational physicians. Additional evidence
was compiled from a review of the literature of drinking-related costs.
Results: 216 General Directors or HR Directors completed a questionnaire related to awareness, policy and costs. 150
occupational physicians completed a questionnaire related to awareness and policy. Companies are unaware or underestimate
alcohol misuse among their employees. At least 84% of companies have no education or information policy about substance abuse.
Absenteeism, accidents and turnover account for 0.87% of the wage bill. Reduced productivity/ (presenteeism accounts for 2.8%. The
construction industry, postal services, hospitality industry (hotel/restaurants and catering) and sanitation industry (collection, street
cleaning) are the most problematic sectors.
Conclusion: Awareness: many companies are totally unaware of the impact of substance abuse and those that are aware
underestimate the problem. Sectors are heterogeneous; some are more problematic than others. Policy: although there is a link
between policy and consumption, few companies have a clear substance abuse policy. Cost: reduced productivity is perceived as the
most important cost.
Keywords
alcohol; workplace; cost; social cost; productivity
Hrčak ID:
266462
URI
Publication date:
26.8.2013.
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