Supporting the development of alcohol in the workplace policies, and tools for line-managers

For the first time ever, there are four different generations working together in the workplace; this means that new expectations regarding employee health and wellbeing have emerged and inclusive work cultures have become even more important. However, four in five employers do not have alcohol in the workplace policies, according to a new report from the Work Foundation, commissioned by IARD*.

IARD’s member companies, the world’s leading global beer, wine, and spirits companies, have therefore launched free resources to help companies address this. There is a guide for senior managers on the importance of Workplace Alcohol Policies and an online module Alcohol in the Workplace: Line Manager Resources, which organizations can use to give their line managers the tools to recognize signs of alcohol misuse and manage situations sensitively and effectively.

These free resources are designed to inspire organizations to create inclusive work cultures that take account of the diverse needs and preferences of employees across multiple generations. They are not intended to replace polices that may already exist but instead to provide inspiration where nothing might be in place. Polices will differ depending on the organization and nature of its business as well as local, national and regional context.

* The Work Foundation at Lancaster University and the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) commissioned Survation to carry out a nationally represented survey of 1,167 senior business leaders across Great Britain. The fieldwork took place online between 29 April and 7 May 2024.