Booze Britain spills into the workplace

10:41am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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ARE you drunk or feeling a bit hungover at work today?

If the answer is yes then you are not alone, according to research released by a healthcare insurance firm.

Workers admitted doing as little as possible, struggling to concentrate and making mistakes when they feel worse for wear.

One thousand people and 250 businesses were questioned about drinking habits in relation to the workplace for the poll.

• 32 per cent of workers admitted to having been at work with a hangover and 15 per cent said they had been drunk at work.

• One in 10 said this happened at least once a month while one in 20 said it was once a week.

• Of those who have had a hangover or been drunk at work, 85 per cent confirmed that it affects their performance or mood.

Employees said that alcohol affected their performance at work on a number of levels:

• 36 per cent of employees find it hard to concentrate.

• 35 per cent of employees find they are less productive.

• 42 per cent feel tired to the point of being very sleepy.

• A quarter do the minimum amount of work and go home as soon as possible.

• Nearly one in ten makes lots of mistakes which they need to rectify.

Don Shenker from Alcohol Concern says: "With many people drinking at harmful levels it's not surprising to find that it is having an effect on the workplace.

"After work or lunchtime drinks are the norm for many and in some cases this is promoted by companies as a way to build teams or just as the way 'to do business'.

"Employers need to watch out for the early warning signs that alcohol may be affecting their workers in a serious way."

The Norwich Union Healthcare research also revealed that 24 per cent of UK employees have felt embarrassed about something they had said or done in front of their boss and colleagues after drinking.

• What is the worst thing you have done after drinking in front of your colleagues? How do you cope with being hungover at work? Add your comments below or have your say on the News Shopper forum.