A study by researchers at Ohio State University published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reveals that nearly 9% of US employees in their early 30s use substances such as alcohol, marijuana and hard drugs while at work. The study highlights higher risks among food industry and safety-sensitive jobs, and suggests comprehensive workplace policies and support services to mitigate substance use.
Get the pulse on what HR pros are saying about the benefits of offering pet insurance. Our study of HR leaders reveals long-lasting impact of pet-inclusive policies on employee satisfaction and engagement. Download the full report.
About half of employees experience "quiet cracking," which describes an employee's gradual decline in happiness, productivity and motivation at work, according to TalentLMS data. Leaders can combat the trend by having one-on-one meetings to recognize issues early, showing appreciation for achievements and setting clear career paths, says Peter Duris, CEO of Kickresume.
Olipop has introduced a Summer Recharge benefit, encouraging employees to take five consecutive days off between June and September. CEO Ben Goodwin notes that while unlimited PTO often results in employees taking less time off, this structured approach aims to combat burnout and improve productivity. Employees participating in the program are also entered into a raffle for a $1,000 cash prize.
A Gallup survey shows that 90% of Gen Z students trust their parents for post-high school guidance, but parents often lack knowledge about nontraditional education and career paths. The survey also found that school counselors feel underprepared to guide students in adapting to the future job market.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Carrie Bates shares her journey of addiction recovery and advocacy for better workplace support in a recent episode of the "HRchat Podcast." Bates, now director of strategic growth and advocacy at Caron Treatment Centers, highlights the stigma that prevents many employees from seeking help and emphasizes the importance of treating addiction as a medical condition.
Substance abuse disorder is a thing. I grew up watching cousins, aunts and uncles battle addiction to drugs and alcohol. The fallout was horrific -- unemployment, school expulsions, broken marriages and family relationships, children removed from homes, incarceration.
Fortunately, by now, everyone is sober. I’m deeply grateful, but many long-term negative effects remain. Among them, employment challenges. When addiction keeps you from reporting to work on time, doing your work safely, or getting along with others, it will have a negative impact on your employability. Reputations are ruined. Bosses can only take so many excuses and give so many chances. It’s not about impatience – it’s about responsibility and (frankly) revenue.
Our top story and HR Leader story today look at substance use and abuse among American workers. Stress, anxiety and pressure have many reaching for a chemical escape. What’s an employer to do?
Over the next few weeks and months, we are going to dive deeper into this trend, examining the breadth and depth of the issue, its impact on the workplace and what employers can do to address it.
I want to kick this off by taking a pulse from you. Survey data from 2023 shows that 48.5 million Americans -- ages 12 and older -- had a substance use disorder in the previous year. That is a staggering number. Let’s assume that most of those Americans are adults with jobs. Is your organization equipped to handle the problem? Do you have intervention plans in place for workers in this situation?
