Alcohol Awareness Week

Click or Scroll

Alcohol and me

The theme for this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week (6-12 July) is ‘Alcohol and me’ and invites people to take a step back, examine their drinking habits, and to consider the role alcohol plays in their daily lives and overall wellbeing.

Why alcohol awareness matters for employers

Alcohol use remains a significant but often hidden workplace issue across the UK and Ireland:

  • Around 1 in 5 workers report alcohol impacting their work performance
  • Alcohol-related harm costs the UK economy an estimated £21 billion annually
  • In Ireland, alcohol contributes to significant healthcare and absenteeism burden, with drinking culture cited as a workplace risk factor

Alcohol misuse is often linked to:

Stress, burnout, and coping behaviours

Presenteeism and absenteeism

Safety risks in operational environments

Reduced productivity and decision-making

Workplace actions to consider

01. Promote awareness without stigma

Share factual, non-judgemental information.

Highlight links between alcohol, sleep, stress, and mental health.

02. Encourage healthy alternatives

Promote ‘low/no alcohol’ social activities.

Offer wellbeing challenges (hydration, sleep, fitness).

03. Train managers

Spot early behavioural signs (changes in performance or mood).

Respond confidently and supportively.

04. Review policies

Ensure alcohol and wellbeing policies reflect modern hybrid working environments.

Useful websites:

UK – Alcohol Change

NI – Drugs & Alcohol Info

Ire – Drinkaware

Lena offers end‑to‑end support, from awareness campaigns and policy development to specialist training and tailored wellbeing programmes, as well as direct intervention for employees who need it.

The Lena Support Hub also provides a range of alcohol-related information and interactive tools, including a virtual bar to help employees track their units and make informed choices.