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On Wednesday, February 16, the report "The social costs of using alcohol" prepared by Oslo Economics was released. The report confirms what we know: alcohol-related absenteeism and ineffectiveness cost working life dearly. And prevention is the key to reducing these huge costs!
Alcohol consumption costs billions in working life
The World Health Organization has adopted a global target to reduce harmful alcohol consumption by at least 10 percent by 2025 compared to 2010. As part of the National Alcohol Strategy, Norway has also committed to this target. In this strategy professional life is indicated as an important area of action.
Most of the adult population is in employment. In the workplace, we have routines, clearly defined roles and responsibilities. They make it possible to capture changes and negative events at an early stage, provided knowledge and awareness. The workplace is therefore a unique arena where early intervention is prevented in the event of problematic use, e.g. alcohol.
We are not used to talking about things perceived as difficult
We know from research and our daily dialogue with employers and employee representatives that problematic alcohol consumption leads to absenteeism. It also leads to ineffectiveness, security and reputation risks, and undoubtedly negatively affects the working environment.
We know that many companies work systematically and well with prevention. Much more could still be improved. Based on our experience in working life, we see two main challenges: Too many fail to prevent and the time from worry to action is often too long, reducing the ability to do something.
Many people find prevention to be complicated and time-consuming. Some people think that "there is no one with us who would have a problem with it." Slow response times may be due to a culture in the workplace where you are not used to talking about things that are perceived as difficult. This is also due to psychological barriers such as the fear of making mistakes and the reaction you may face. Many people think that alcohol use is a private matter. Many think that even when it affects work, and many don't do something because they don't know what to do. On the positive side, there is both knowledge and tools that can be used.
Akan confirms and emphasizes the importance of preventive work
The pandemic has put working life into a demanding process of change. Many of us have or have had to do with a continuous hybrid workday. The experience of almost two years of working in the home office makes prevention even more important.
Preventive work must be included in the processes of change we are currently in, we cannot stop prevention. It won't be easier to prevent this if we keep waiting.
Akan Competence Center is pleased that this report has been published. Akan reaffirms and emphasizes the importance of preventive work that both benefits and pays for individuals, companies and society.
The report was prepared by Oslo Economics on behalf of Av-og-til, Actis and Blå Kors. Read the full report here:https://avogtil.no/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/01/220112-Rapport-Samfunnskostnader-ved-alkoholbruk-OE.pdf
Source: Akan - Work Life Competence Center for Drug and Addiction Problems.
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