Alcohol plays a prominent role in British culture, but while moderate drinking can seem harmless, the darker side of alcohol is often hidden behind closed doors. In the workplace, it rarely announces itself loudly. Instead, it appears subtly, eroding performance, safety and wellbeing.

For employers and employees alike, understanding alcohol harm is vital. It’s not about pointing fingers. It’s about creating an environment where awareness leads to action, and support leads to change. So, what does alcohol harm actually look like and why should it matter in the workplace?

What is alcohol abuse?

Alcohol abuse isn’t always dramatic. It’s not always binge drinking on a Saturday night or visibly staggering into work after a weekend bender. It can be far more understated: someone who relies on a drink every evening to relax or who finds it increasingly hard to get through the day without alcohol on their mind.

In clinical terms, alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of drinking that results in harm to a person’s health, relationships or ability to work. It’s distinct from dependence, which is when someone physically and psychologically cannot function without alcohol. But the line between use, misuse and dependence can blur quickly.

You might be wondering: can’t people just cut back? That’s often the assumption. But alcohol abuse is rarely just about the drinking itself, it’s often a response to stress, trauma, anxiety or even loneliness. It becomes a coping mechanism that over time, causes more problems than it solves.

Recognising when someone is struggling

Spotting when someone is having issues with alcohol isn’t always straightforward. People tend to hide it. At work, someone might appear tired, distant or irritable. They may miss deadlines or start arriving late. Sometimes, these changes are gradual, a slow drift from their previous self, making it difficult for colleagues or managers to raise concerns.

Outside of work, they may withdraw socially, have unpredictable mood swings, or lose interest in things they once enjoyed. Even physical signs, like hands or red eyes can be missed or misinterpreted. But perhaps the most telling sign is secrecy. When someone goes to great lengths to hide how much they’re drinking it’s often a signal that their relationship with alcohol has shifted from casual to compulsive.

The toll on the body

Alcohol is a depressant, and its impact on the body is profound. In small doses, it may cause temporary relaxation or euphoria. But over time, chronic drinking begins to damage nearly every major organ system.

The liver is the most obvious casualty, with long-term alcohol use leading to fatty liver disease, hepatitis and ultimately cirrhosis: a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. The heart and pancreas can also suffer, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Then there’s the immune system. Alcohol weakens it, making the body more susceptible to infections. It also interferes with the absorption of vital nutrients, which affects everything from bone density to skin conditions. And let’s not forget the increased risk of cancer, particularly of the mouth, throat, liver, colon and breast.

What’s striking is how easily these physical effects can be dismissed or blamed on other causes: a poor diet, lack of sleep, a “busy lifestyle”. But underneath it all, alcohol may be playing a larger role than people realise.

The hidden impact on mental health

While the physical effects are serious, the psychological toll can be just as devastating. Alcohol and mental health are closely linked and not in a good way. Initially, alcohol can feel like an escape. A drink might seem to take the edge off anxiety, or dull the symptoms of depression. But over time, it amplifies those very issues. It disrupts sleep, distorts perspective and interferes with the brain’s ability to regulate emotions.

In fact, alcohol is known to worsen mental health conditions and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide. As alcohol impairs judgment, people under its influence are more likely to make impulsive decisions that they later regret. What’s most concerning is that this cycle, using alcohol to feel better, then feeling worse because of alcohol, can become deeply entrenched. It becomes a loop that’s hard to break without help.

Alcoholism and its workplace footprint

The workplace might seem like the last place alcohol would show up. But it does and often in less obvious ways. Think about absenteeism. Employees struggling with alcohol are more likely to call in sick, arrive late or leave early. Then there’s presenteeism, being physically at work but mentally checked out. Productivity drops, mistakes increase and tensions with colleagues rise.

In safety-critical industries, such as construction or manufacturing, the consequences can be even more severe. Impaired judgment or delayed reaction times can lead to serious accidents.

Beyond performance and safety, alcohol misuse can quietly affect team dynamics and workplace culture. When one person is struggling, it can create strain for everyone around them, especially if their behaviour becomes unpredictable or disruptive.

What employers can do

Tackling alcohol harm doesn’t mean acting like a disciplinarian. In fact, a heavy-handed approach can often drive the issue underground. What’s more effective is a culture of trust, education and early intervention. Employers can start by providing clear, non-judgmental information about alcohol harm and ensuring that support systems are easy to access. This could include signposting to occupational health services, confidential counselling or links to local support groups.

Training line managers to spot signs of alcohol misuse and to approach these conversations with sensitivity is another crucial step. Employees are more likely to open up when they feel supported rather than scrutinised. Policies also matter. A robust, well-communicated alcohol policy should be in place, not to punish, but to protect both the individual and the wider team. And when someone does come forward, the focus should be on rehabilitation, not removal.

Final thoughts

Alcohol harm isn’t always loud or obvious. It can be quiet, hidden and slow-burning – especially in the workplace. But its impact is real. From reduced productivity to damaged relationships, from physical illness to mental health struggles, the ripple effects touch every corner of life. The good news? It’s not inevitable. With awareness, support and the right interventions, change is possible. Employers have a unique role to play, not as enforcers, but as enablers of a healthier, more resilient workforce.