Addiction rates across the UK have risen sharply over the past year. According to a recent survey commissioned by addiction charity The Forward Trust, 1 in 3 adults have relapsed into addiction within 2022 or know someone close to it.
Meanwhile, the NHS has stated that demand for its addiction clinics is increasing by 42%.
In the accounting sector, the picture is equally worrisome. in kappa reconnaissance Of nearly 2,000 chartered accountants, 1 in 7 of those we spoke to said they knew someone in the profession who believed they were addicted. One in 5 people admitted that their drinking habits negatively affected their work or personal life, while a third of all those who said they gamble admitted that they are not always open with those around them about how often they do it or how much money they spend.
Complex issues raise concerns about a deepening cost-of-living crisis here in Britain. Millions of people across the country are now struggling to cover their basic human needs like groceries and energy bills. The stress, anxiety, and even trauma that many of us feel as a direct result of this can create an environment in which addiction becomes more likely, as we try to find ways to cope.
Christian Holmes, CEO The PlaneThe professional charity for Chartered Accountants ICAEW explains that as with all societal issues, these don’t just stay in the home. For HR professionals, this means an increased chance of having to deal with a situation in the workplace where an employee is struggling with addiction. Therefore, it is essential that every workplace have clear policies in place around substance abuse and other forms of addiction. This will ensure that both the employer and the employees know the procedures to follow and that the individual struggling with the addiction feels fully supported.
Health concerns versus disciplinary action
There is no standard way to deal with addictive behaviors in the workplace. Some employers treat drug and alcohol misuse as gross misconduct, and there are cases where employees are automatically fired for engaging in work under the influence.
However, HR professionals should be aware that drug and alcohol addictions are recognized medical problems. Therefore, anyone who misuses them has the same rights to confidentiality and support as if they had any other medical or psychiatric condition.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) recommend that substance misuse prevention forms part of an employer’s overall wellbeing proposition – something we at Kappa fully agree with. This ensures that any need for disciplinary action is combined with a preventive and supportive approach to help employees get the help they need. While there may be times when employees need to move to a different department – for example, if they are in a safety-critical job – the goal should always be to support them in improving.
We also suggest that employers expand their policy to cover all forms of addiction, including behavioral addictions such as gambling and gaming, and so-called Invisible addiction Like orthorexia (an obsession with health). Modern addiction It can present itself in different ways and employers need to be aware of the signals so they can act accordingly.
Develop a workplace policy for substance abuse and other forms of addiction
Every workplace should have a clear and consistent policy framework on addiction, which sets out the employer’s expectations for employee behavior as well as the consequences of not meeting those expectations. You should provide details of the process for employees who wish to disclose an addiction, along with a list of any support systems and resources available to them such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
EAPs form an important part of the workplace wellbeing support offering and it is important to raise awareness of them wherever they are available. Some employees may feel reluctant to talk about addiction in a workplace context – for example, only 5% of those surveyed said they went to their EAP about addiction – so confidentiality education is key.
The workplace addiction policy should also outline the procedure for any employee who wishes to report a problem involving a co-worker. According to our research, 1 in 14 accountants witnessed a colleague taking drugs and 1 in 12 witnessed colleagues gambling large sums of money. While these may not always indicate an addiction, employers should ensure that their employees have a way to confidentially raise any concerns so that any potential problems can be caught early.
More information about writing or updating a policy about substance misuse and other addictive behavior can be found at www Health and Safety Executive website.
Educate and empower managers and supervisors
Even with a clear policy, not all managers and supervisors will feel equipped to handle addictions among their teams. Indeed, A.J CIPD survey It found that only a third (30%) of employers provide guidance to their managers on how to handle disclosure and how to signal support.
Every business owner must provide proper training for managers. This should include training sessions on how to recognize signs of addiction in others and what to do if they suspect a member of their team has an addiction. It is also important to know what to do as a manager if someone approaches you about addiction, including drug use Non-stigmatizing language.
Open discussion about addiction
The bottom line is that addiction can happen to anyone. What may start as a seemingly harmless habit or coping mechanism can quickly turn into something more serious.
That’s why it’s so important for employers to create and maintain a supportive workplace culture that speaks openly about mental health and wellbeing. This should be done from the top down, with regular communication about the help available to anyone with a possible substance or behavioral addiction.
With the right policies and people in place, employers can ensure that their employees are treated fairly and get the support they need to get better.
At Kappa we campaign to raise awareness of addiction in the accounting sector. Whether it helps individuals determine Causes of addiction or provide guidance on How to support someone close to you with addictionOur goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding modern-day addiction and provide those who struggle with the help and guidance they need.
