Guidance for managing drug and alcohol misuse at work

Drug and alcohol misuse are significant issues in society, meaning they’re also an issue for UK workplaces. As people professionals, you may at some point have to handle a situation where an employee is misusing alcohol and/or drugs. Whatever our personal views, it is important that we handle such cases professionally and with integrity – supporting people wherever we can and using external expertise and advice to ensure that there is a fair and unambiguous outcome.

The CIPD’s Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work survey found that only 33% of UK employers provide information for employees on sources of support for drug and alcohol related problems, and too few invest in manager capability to manage and support people who are struggling.

Employers must ensure they have a clear policy on substance misuse. The CIPD recommend that preventing drug and alcohol misuse forms part of their overall wellbeing offering to ensure any need for disciplinary action is coupled with a preventative and supportive approach to help employees get the help they need.

As a result, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you not only manage specific incidents, but also to provide the support needed by employees struggling with drug or alcohol problems, as well as the preventative actions they can take.