Employers' Anti-Drinking Attitude Trickles Down to Workers

August 24, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Employees at jobs where social drinking is strongly discouraged were 45% less likely to be heavy drinkers than those at companies that are cavalier about drinking, according to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The survey of more than 5,300 workers found that workers at companies with more stringent no-drinking policies were54% less likely to be frequent drinkers and 69% less likely to drink during the workday.

“At work” drinking was defined as: as having consumed beer, wine or liquor during the workday or two hours before going to work; drinking during lunch or a work break; drinking while working; drinking before driving a vehicle on company business; or drinking at a company-sponsored event in the 30 days prior to the study.

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According to the survey, 19% considered themselves heavy drinkers outside of work. Heavy drinking was defined differently among men and women: five or more drinks in one day in the 30 days before the survey for men, and four or more for women.Eight percent said they were frequent drinkers, which was defined as consuming beer, alcohol or wine five or more days of the week.

Smokers and workers age 35 and younger are most likely to drink.

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