There’s been a huge rise in addictions over the last few years. Across the USA there’s an opioid crisis, while in the UK usage of alcohol, cocaine and many other substances are also on the rise.
Rehab centres are seeing an influx in people receiving treatment, and while of course that’s a good thing, it would also suggest that there are many more people out there not getting the help they need.
At Primrose Lodge, a rehabilitation centre in Surrey, just outside of London, they are often finding the root of the problem stems from work related stress. Work and addiction do often go hand-in-hand, with the vast majority of people who are suffering also being in full-time work. Which can affect a business itself for a variety of reasons too.
If you’re a business owner, it is vital to look after employee welfare, not just for the people but also for your business, as it could well have a big impact on it, without you even realising.
But how exactly? Here are five ways cases of addiction within your business could end up affecting it…
Decreased Productivity
Firstly, if people are struggling with addiction, it can have a large impact on productivity. Individuals that are struggling are more likely to be off work, whether it be due to alcohol, drugs, gambling or any other form of addiction.
Alongside this, while in work they will be less focused, more distracted and more likely to see a decrease in overall output, lower quality work, as well as failing to meet deadlines. This, ultimately, can lead to a loss of clients, contracts and in turn money for your business.
Increased Workplace Accidents
There’s also a higher likelihood of accidents in the workplace. Whether it be down to a person being under the influence of substances at work, or tired as a result of such abuse, there is an increased chance of people endangering themselves, and others, at work. Particularly if the workplace requires the usage of heavy machinery.
There are ways to avoid this, with screening and testing a possibility, as well as things such as amnesties.
Increased Employee Turnover
No business wants a high turnover of staff, but that can become the case if addiction is having an impact on businesses. Firstly, due to ill health you’re more likely to see someone suffering from addiction have to leave the business. However, addiction can often lead to erratic behaviour, which can seriously strain relationships in the workplace and lead to people walking out on the company if not dealt with effectively.
You could lose key members of staff as a result of this, and essentially see your business operating at a lesser capacity than it should be.
Legal and Financial Consequences
People struggling with addiction can lead to all manner of things, and unfortunately when people are at their lowest, they behave at their most desperate. Many businesses have suffered from theft, embezzlement and fraud as a result of someone’s addiction, which can put a strain on a company’s finances.
Additionally, if the business is seeing a number of people struggling within the business, there may also be legal consequences, as businesses in the UK are obliged to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their employees.
Reputational Damage
Naturally, if incidents are occuring within the business as a result of an employee’s addiction, there could be severe reputational damage that comes alongside it.
Whether it be due to a lower quality of work, or particular incidents occuring as a result of addiction, such as those mentioned above, negative press can see clients, suppliers and customers drop you pretty quickly, which is going to significantly affect finances and the business as a whole.
Addiction levels are continuing to rise, and business owners have a duty of care to their employees. Aiding employees will not only make for a happy and healthier workforce, but also avoid the many impacts it can also have on your business.
