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The shift in alcohol consumption among different generations in the workforce reveals a lot about changing attitudes and priorities. Understanding these trends can be crucial for workplaces aiming to support their employees’ wellbeing and productivity.
Millennials, aged 28 to 43, are leading the charge in reducing alcohol consumption. in a survey of millennials, 65% said they’d cut back on their drinking, with 17% stopping entirely and 48% scaling back somewhat. Interestingly, while 44% of millennials acknowledge the negative impact of alcohol on their mental health, 27% believe it boosts their mental wellbeing. Similarly, 51% recognise alcohol has a negative affect on their physical health, while 26% think drinking has a positive affect, enhancing their physical health. This clash in opinion highlights the complex relationship millennials have with alcohol.
Generation X, aged 44 to 59, shows a different pattern. Over a third (37%) of this group has never reduced their alcohol intake, the highest proportion among all respondents. While 58% feel positive about their current drinking habits, only 37% feel the same about their past attitudes towards alcohol. This generation tends to have fewer regrets about their current relationship with alcohol but more about their previous behaviours.
Both generations share common triggers for drinking, such as celebrating milestones, being on holiday, spending time with family, stress, and poor mental health. However, boredom and anxiety at social or work events also play a role, with peer pressure influencing 8% of respondents.
The benefits of reducing alcohol consumption are clear. Over half of millennials (54%) have seen improvements in their mental health, along with 45% of Generation X. Social life benefits are even more pronounced among millennials, with 43% reporting positive changes versus 25% of Generation X. Work productivity sees a similar trend, with 49% of millennials experiencing boosts compared to 37% of the older generation. Overall, reducing alcohol has enhanced mental health, physical health, productivity, and relationships for many.
Generation X has specific reasons for cutting down or stopping drinking, such as improving physical health (48%), finances (32%), and mental health (29%). These motivators align with the broader reasons people reduce drinking, including physical health, financial improvement, mental health, dependency issues, and supporting loved ones.
Alcohol, drugs, and nicotine can significantly affect how people feel, often making them relaxed and less self-conscious. This can lead to repeated use to recreate these feelings. Regular alcohol consumption is common and easily accessible, but it is highly addictive and can cause numerous physical and mental health problems, affecting relationships and work. In the UK, alcohol misuse is the leading risk factor for death, ill health, and disability among people aged 15 to 49.,
Signs of addictive behaviours in the workplace include frequent absences, declining performance, accidents, and behavioural changes. Employees with behavioural addictions may show similar symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability when unable to engage in their addictive activity. Substance use can lead to severe health issues like stroke, seizures, memory loss, muscle breakdown, and liver failure.
Businesses can support their employees by implementing policies on alcohol and drug misuse. These policies should aim to help and support affected employees rather than dismiss them. By understanding and addressing the generational shifts in alcohol consumption, workplaces can foster a healthier, more productive environment for all employees.
To find out how alcohol addiction affects workplace productivity, and how addictive behaviours may be affecting your business, sign up to Bupa’s next virtual event: Hidden addictions with the impacts in plain sight by clicking on the word here.
