Millions of US Workers Drink on the Job

Researchers interviewed 2,805 employed adults aged 18-85 living in the 48 contiguous states from January 2002 to June 2003.

People were asked how often during the previous year they drank alcohol within two hours of reporting to work, drank alcohol during the workday, worked under the influence of alcohol, or worked with a hangover.

The researchers estimate that 2.3 million workers (1.8 per cent of the workforce) have consumed alcohol at least once before coming to work.

Nearly 9 million workers (7.1 per cent of the workforce) have drunk alcohol at least once during the workday.

Over 2 million workers (1.7 per cent of the workforce) have worked under the influence of alcohol.

And, 11.6 million workers (9.2 per cent of the workforce) have worked with a hangover.

"Most workers who drink during the workday do so during lunch breaks, though some drink while working or during other breaks," said lead researcher Michael Frone.

Among those employees who report drinking before work, 71 per cent reported doing so less than monthly, 25 per cent monthly, and only 4 per cent weekly.

For those who drank during the workday, 62 per cent did so less than monthly, 24 per cent monthly and 14 per cent weekly.

The study also found that workplace alcohol use and impairment was more prevalent among men compared to women.

"Of all psychoactive substances with the potential to impair cognitive and behavioral performance, alcohol is the most widely used and misused substance in the general population and in the workforce," Frone added.

"The misuse of alcohol by employed adults is an important social policy issue with the potential to undermine employee productivity and safety."

The study findings appear in the current issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol.