Alcohol at work: how should you raise your glass to the New Year?

A (company) party and accompanying alcoholic drink is part and parcel of the end-of-year festivities and the start of the New Year. “Alcohol is now part of our culture,” says Heidi Henkens. “But we still underestimate the risks. By clearly identifying the risks, as an employer, you are able to set up appropriate preventive measures.”

Heidi Henkens: “Normally, alcohol use is unacceptable in the workplace. But a year-end or New Year's party may constitute an exception. Employers should draw the line beforehand on what is acceptable by implementing a preventive alcohol and drug policy. Up to them to decide the content of such a policy. Does the company have a zero tolerance attitude? What about employees who come in contact with customers? More stringent rules may be imposed on employees with a safety function.”

“First of all, such a policy decides whether alcohol should or should not be available in the workplace. If alcohol is allowed in some cases, such as the New Year's party, there must be sufficient focus on prevention and raising awareness among employees. Even if employees (repeatedly) break the proposed rules on alcohol in the workplace, the employer must know which procedures, support and guidance are applicable.”

“Employers can take preventive action by offering a sufficiently varied and interesting range of non-alcoholic drinks or by implementing a ticket system. Another possible initiative is to provide disposable chemical alcohol tests or invite the Responsible Young Drivers to take tests at the building exits. It’s also best to let them know in advance how long the party will last. This way, your employees can take precautions to get home safely.” 

“This should be laid down in the alcohol and drug policy. It is important to distinguish between employees who have had one glass too many, and those who exhibit inappropriate behaviour because of that. Employers best see to it that the latter get home safely in the first place, by arranging taxis for them, for instance. Driving under the influence is not only dangerous for the employee and other road users, but getting to and from the staff party is also a shared responsibility. After all, as an employer, you are liable for employees’ (excessive) alcohol consumption during a holiday office party. The first working day after the event, you can have a personal chat with them about that.”

After the year-end festivities and New Year celebrations in January, De DrugLijn, VAD and Stichting tegen Kanker are organising an alcohol-free month of February under the umbrella of the ‘Tournée Minérale‘ awareness campaign. You can read more about it in our blog!