Each time January navigates back around, many Brits begin their pledges to give up alcohol, sign up to the gym, participate in ‘Veganuary’ or revitalise the dire state of their dating profile in the hope of a more prosperous forthcoming year. But with it being mid-way through January, it is quite possible that many have given in to temptation already.
While all of these temporary pledges may have a noticeable impact on an individual’s life, it seems that there is one resolution that employers will be more inclined to lean towards. And, that is employees reducing their alcohol intake by participating in Dry January.
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According to Acas, it is estimated that 140,000 people turn up to work each day with a hangover: this transcends into a whopping £48,000 cost per minute due to lost productivity.
And, a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) report found that nearly 10million UK employees exceed the recommended weekly alcohol consumption guidelines on a regular basis. Not only does this pose as a threat to the employee’s wellbeing, it could also interfere with health and safety regulations – particularly if their intoxication results in a workplace accident.
With the new year well and truly upon us, some employees may view this as the perfect opportunity for an alcohol detox.
Cliff Lee, Head of Rightsteps exclusively told HR Grapevine that, traditionally, January is the month that individuals try to abstain from alcohol following overly alcohol-indulgent Christmas celebrations. He said:
“For those employees who take up the challenge this period of abstinence provides a range of benefits…”
“…but from an employer’s perspective there are also many positives to encouraging employees to take some time out from drinking alcohol, including improved sleep and concentration – which can dramatically increase an individual’s performance in the workplace.
“It is conservatively estimated that each year over 17million working days are lost due alcohol related absence and 25% of all workplace accidents are thought to involve factors linked to alcohol, surely supporting employees to consider changing their relationship with alcohol is an initiative that should be encouraged by all employers.”
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So, it seems that the benefits of participating in Dry January operate in a two-way streak. According to Rightsteps, here are five positives to sacking off alcohol for a month (if you require a little more convincing):
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No hangover – The pounding headaches, nausea and fatigues will seem like a thought of the past and you will begin to feel human again.
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Finding it easier to focus – As alcohol impairs concentration and decision-making due to a reduced amount of sleep, ditching the alcohol for a month will allow you to get a good night’s sleep and be more productive at work.
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Increased safety – Particularly with jobs that require increased concentration or are hazardous in some way, alcohol-induced fatigue can increase the chances of a workplace accident. Not good for either employee or employer.
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Feeling happier – Not drinking alcohol will allow you to have a better quality of sleep so that you will wake up feeling refreshed and happy. This is likely to reduce anxious feelings or bad moods.
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Saving money – According to alcoholchange.org.uk, people spend an average of £50,000 on alcohol over their lifetime. Imagine the money that you could save from cutting out alcohol completely.
