Alcohol use at work

A study conducted at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions reports that 2.3 million workers (1.8 percent of the workforce) have consumed alcohol before coming to work and 8.9 million workers (7.1 percent of the workforce) drank alcohol during the workday. The study also found that 2.1 million workers (1.7 percent of the workforce) worked under the influence of alcohol and 11.6 million workers (9.2 percent of the workforce) worked with a hangover.

The study found that workplace alcohol use and impairment were more prevalent among men, younger workers and unmarried workers.

The occupation groups showing the highest rates of workplace alcohol use and impairment were the management, sales, arts/entertainment/sports/media, food preparation and serving and building and grounds maintenance occupations.

The primary goal of the study was to inform managers about the extent of alcohol use and impairment in the workplace. "The context of alcohol use is important to an understanding of the productivity implications (job attendance vs. job performance and safety) of that use," according to Michael R. Frone, Ph.D., principal investigator on the study.