With National Addiction Awareness Week coming up, many organisations are revisiting their policies and looking again at how alcohol use affects their teams. While most people drink occasionally and safely, alcohol misuse remains one of the biggest hidden risks in the UK workforce — especially in high-stress sectors like health and social care.
For managers, the challenge is knowing when “normal use” becomes “concerning use”
Some early indicators include:
- noticeable drops in concentration or communication
- mood swings or irritability
- appearing hungover at work
- repeated last-minute sickness
- withdrawing from colleagues
- taking longer to complete usual tasks
These behaviours aren’t proof of alcohol misuse — they’re signals that someone might be struggling and needs support, not punishment.
What can organisations do?
- Review your alcohol and substance policies to ensure they’re fair and supportive, not fear-based.
- Refresh training for managers and senior carers, especially around recognising early signs and responding safely.
- Create private, judgement-free spaces for staff to disclose concerns.
- Share external resources such as local addiction services and helplines.
Halo Staffing can help strengthen your workforce during challenging periods or while staff take time to seek the support they need. We pride ourselves on supplying dependable, fully trained professionals who help keep your service running smoothly without compromising safety.
