Identifying Addiction in the Workplace

People are the core of a company. Withoutinclude the following:
healthy, productive, capable employees a business
cannot succeed. Chemical dependency can1. Change in work attendance or performance
dramatically affect an employee's ability to2. Alteration of personal appearance
contribute to the success of a business.3. Mood swings or attitude changes
Substance abuse in the workplace creates4. Withdrawal from responsibility or associate
problems such as increased absenteeism,contacts
on-the-job accidents, errors in judgment, legal5. Unusual patterns of behavior
expenses, medical insurance claims, illness rates,6. Defensive attitude concerning the object of
and decreased productivity and employee morale.addiction
Depending on the nature of the individual's work,If you have reason to believe an employee is
public safety can be jeopardized.having a problem with alcohol or any drug,
Because an addiction impacts every facet of agambling or other compulsive behaviors begin first
person's life, the problem must be addressed atby bringing your concerns to the attention of a
many different levels, including the place ofsupervisor. After that seek help for your
employment. The benefits of addressing addictioncoworker immediately by calling a counselor and
and getting treatment for employees who need itor helping them find an appropriate treatment
are widespread. Improved job performance,center. The act of identifying an addiction in a
motivation, morale, and increased overallcoworker and then attempting to help them is a
customer satisfaction are just some of thetricky process, but in many cases your
results.coworkers well-being and possibly their life may
Symptoms of addiction in the workplace canbe in jeopardy.