By Rebecca Whittaker

Copyright independent

A new survey by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals that over a third of employees have called in sick after feeling pressured to drink at work-related events.

The report highlights that approximately a quarter of workers feel pressured to consume alcohol, a figure that rises to 38 per cent among younger employees aged 18 to 24.

Workplace drinking culture is linked to significant productivity issues, with a third of workers calling in sick and 22 per cent working hungover, leading to reduced capacity and presenteeism.

Beyond productivity, the survey indicates that workplace alcohol consumption increases risks of regrettable behaviour, and a significant number of respondents associate it with harmful conduct, sexual harassment, bullying, or intimidation.

Researchers are advocating for employers to offer booze-free social alternatives, as over half of workplaces currently fail to do so, despite 73 per cent of employees believing employers have a responsibility to address alcohol-related harm.