Helen Medina’s Post

**4 in 5 employers don’t have alcohol in the workplace policies in place** We recently hosted an insightful discussion in partnership with The Work Foundation, chaired by journalist Courtney Kealy, looking at employee wellbeing in multigenerational workplaces.   With an ever-changing workforce and evolving societal norms, we brought together leaders from across business, policy, trade unions, and academia, looking at the role of alcohol policies in the workplace and the importance of fostering positive and inclusive work cultures.   Following our roundtable, the Work Foundation conducted an in-depth study and Survation Ltd polling revealed that although more than one third (34%) of employers believe staff socialising in person is important given the increase in hybrid working, only one fifth (11%) have alcohol policies on responsible consumption in the workplace. The Work Foundation report sets out clear recommendations to employers on how to create inclusive and positive workplace cultures:   • Event labelling – change the description of events away from "drinks" to "socialising" • Alternative drinks – provide non-alcohol drinks alongside alcohol drinks • Event timings – host morning, lunch or afternoon gatherings to include those with caring responsibilities • Dietary requirements – ask about preferences for non-alcoholic drinks • Training – provide resources and tools to support effective alcohol in the workplace policies   In response to the findings, IARD has launched new resources to inspire organizations to develop alcohol workplace policies. As global employers and responsible leaders, we have workplace alcohol policies embedded and we want to play our part promoting progressive work cultures based on inclusion and choice, whether employees choose to drink or not. You can visit the link in our comments to find IARD’s free online resources.   We are grateful to our participants who took part in the roundtable including representatives from International Labour Organization, Eurofound, Benenden Health, Centre for Ageing Better, CIPD, The Educational and Community Response Centre, FEMSA Proximity Division (OXXO), The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FAAR), Loughborough University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, PwC, and Acas. Thank you to Ben Harrison from The Work Foundation for co-chairing the event alongside our CEO Julian Braithwaite   Find out more by following the link in the comments   #ResponsibleDrinking #AlcoholAwareness #Workplacepolicies #Inclusiveworkplace

Did you know it's National Margarita Day? Why is it essential to create space for non-drinkers in the workplace? Here are a few reasons: 1️⃣ Respect for Personal Choices: Every individual has their own reasons for choosing whether or not to consume alcohol. Respecting these choices fosters a culture of understanding and acceptance. 2️⃣ Inclusivity and Belonging: Feeling included and valued for who you are is essential for employee morale, engagement, and overall well-being. By creating an environment that accommodates diverse preferences, we foster a sense of belonging for all team members. 3️⃣ Promoting Health and Wellness: Supporting non-drinkers aligns with initiatives promoting health and wellness in the workplace. By providing alternatives and refraining from alcohol-centric activities, we prioritize the physical and mental well-being of our colleagues. 4️⃣ Avoiding Exclusionary Practices: Exclusionary practices, even if unintentional, can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation among non-drinkers. Creating inclusive events and activities ensures that everyone can participate and contribute without feeling left out. Let's use National Margarita Day as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive workplaces where every individual feels respected, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Human Resource Association of Central CT (HRACC) #SHRM #InclusiveWorkplace #NationalMargaritaDay

Just came across this article on HR Brew, featuring Alex Suggs, MBA's insightful perspective that they previously posted on LinkedIn re: transforming workplace gatherings. Read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gWe-mMqf Alex advocates for decentering alcohol at events, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. And with the rising trend of sobriety 🙌 , it's crucial to be mindful of diverse preferences. As we witness a surge in people embracing a sober lifestyle, it's heartening to see the freedom of choice in beverages growing. This movement isn't just about abstaining; it's a broader transition towards liberating choices that feel good, healthy, and empowering to all people. I, for one, am celebrating this positive shift in society and a change in workplace culture that champion choices, aligning with more wellbeing. #workplacewellness #sober #sobriety #inclusion #events

Learn how the role of alcohol in the workplace has shifted over the years and why it matters. Visit Here - https://lnkd.in/gEhjmUPX #tradeflock #workplaceculture #corporateculture #employeewellbeing #workplacetrends #alcoholpolicy #professionalenvironment #employeehealth #corporatepolicy #workplaceevolution #officeculture #workplaceethics #employeeproductivity #workplacewellness

What is the impact of alcohol on workplace productivity? 🎯 It's important to highlight how alcohol consumption can affect workplace productivity and overall employee wellbeing. Here are some key issues to consider: 1️⃣ Excessive drinking can lead to increased absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees are physically present but not fully functioning. 2️⃣ Alcohol impairs cognitive function and decision-making, leading to decreased productivity and increased errors. 3️⃣ Alcohol-related health issues can lead to higher healthcare costs for organisations, impacting overall business performance. Replacing alcohol with healthy alternatives, such as encouraging non-alcoholic drinks at social events and promoting a healthier lifestyle within the workplace is one of many ways that businesses can help. 🤝 For more advice or support, visit 🔗 tapgp.co.uk #AlcoholAwarenessWeek #WorkplaceHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #Productivity #HR #Performance

Carbs, Calories and Caffeine... ...do not hold magical effects in the workplace. Pizza parties, ice cream gatherings, stocked refrigerators with pop, energy drinks and unlimited coffee do not magically create a healthy workplace. Doesn't work that way! I don't know when things veered so far off the path of humanity in the workplace, but we need to take a hard left and get back on the main highway. STAT. For real. It is exhausting, dehumanizing and soul-shattering to have snacks shoved in our faces all day long while bullies roam freely in the office and openly abuse people...made worse, they are likely hopped up on the caffeine from energy drinks that are stocked in the refrigerator that the "people-centered" employer brags about in their job postings, the "about us" section of their websites, the onboarding process and the employee handbook. Employers - stop. Please stop. I worked at an employer that proudly advertised their free candy and drinks and it was in this environment where I was brutally abused by a bully who treated everyone in the organization like absolute piles of garbage, even the executive leaders in the C-suite, but because of this person's supposed brilliance, was sponsored, enabled, celebrated and PROMOTED. But yeah, sure, the cheeseballs, free oatmeal and granola bars magically erases the psychological abuse and negative impacts to everyone's mental health and physical health...said nobody EVER. We are not stupid. We are humans. We have feelings. We have goals and dreams that we aspire to accomplish which depends on our ability to thrive and grow at work...which is impossible in a toxic, abuse-centric environment. If we want Skittles, we can bring them ourselves to work - this is a simple act under our control. What we cannot control is an unhinged, emotionally unwell and abusive bully who is affecting our livelihoods and lives. THIS is where we need support. THIS is where we need you to allocate funding so leaders and HR team members have the skills to lead and to hold tough discussions with BULLIES about the expectations for behavior in the workplace. Get it together, toxic employers. Do better because we deserve better. Be kind, be good...and always keep your head on a swivel - Lauri ☑Schedule a discovery call with me to learn how I can help you: https://lnkd.in/gD7jr78t ✅Find out today if you are the Target of a workplace bully by downloading this FREE guide: https://lnkd.in/ekA-ners Here is what one of my clients said about my work: 🔥 "Thank you, Lauri! You inspire me! Thank you for taking me under your wing. Your support is tremendous! Know you are doing AMAZING work. Let’s break the silence on WBP!!!" ~Nurse Manager P.S. Here are additional WBP resources for you to check out! ☕ Donate to WBP's cause: https://lnkd.in/gF9JBAX4 💻 Visit the WBP website at https://lnkd.in/gc6mbVzi 📢 Subscribe to Bully-Proof: Truth in Action here: https://lnkd.in/dh3S-YWJ © 2024 Workplace Bullying Project LLC

Workplace New Year Campaign Alcohol, drugs and gambling After the festive period there is no better time to implement our workplace new year campaign, which offers an educational approach to behavioural change with a focus on employee wellbeing. Please take a look at the attached document for further information, including a testimonial supporting the benefits that our workshops offer. #workplacewellness #companyvalues #companysuccess #wellbeingatwork  

Would you want alcohol to impair your ability to work? It may seem obvious that most people wouldn’t, however, drinking the night before will certainly show up at work the following day. This is why it is important to understand that if you are going to drink, you know the guidance and how much alcohol will affect you, so that you can make informed decisions. The team at InterSystems UKI were keen to learn how much is too much, so we provided our ‘Mindful Drinking’ seminar to them. This 1-hour talk gave them tips and tricks on how to be more careful when it comes to consuming alcohol and how to implement this into their daily lives. We were pleased to see such great interaction from the team and glad that the subject of mindful drinking is being prioritised in their wellbeing program. If you would like to reduce the risk of alcohol impairing your team’s work, you can arrange these seminars today: training@alcoholchange.org.uk #AlcoholAwarenessWeek #Workplacewellbeing #HR #training

#Wellbeing should not be an obligation, but a choice that wins the hearts and minds of employees". As part of The Consumer Goods Forum 2023 Employee Well-being Campaign, Juan Felipe Montoya Calle, Vice President of Human Resources at Grupo Éxito gave in an online masterclass to share the company's comprehensive well-being strategy which includes understanding employee needs, implementing beneficial strategies and showing genuine sensitivity. 📰 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Gtjxnl 🎥 Watch the recording: https://bit.ly/416wXz7 #CGFHealthierLives #WellbeingAtWork 

'Carewashing' refers to the practice of organizations presenting themselves as caring and supportive towards their employees' well-being and mental health, but failing to back up these claims with genuine actions or policies 💔💼 This could include: - Promoting mental health days or wellness programs that are superficial or inadequately supported. - Making public statements about valuing employees while maintaining a toxic workplace culture. -Promoting flexible work hours or remote work policies without actually allowing employees to take advantage of these benefits. - Publicizing minor efforts to support employees (like free snacks in the break room) while ignoring significant issues like fair wages. While 'Carewashing' could seem like a non-issue, it can have detrimental effects on your organization for several reasons: 1. It can erode trust between the employee and the organization 2. It can lead to decreased employee engagement 3. The employee turnover rate is likely to increase 4. It can damage the overall reputation of an organization 5. It may your organization to legal and ethical risks 6. It can stifle innovation 7. It may lead to negative impacts on mental health 8. The organization may lose its competitive advantage So how can you make sure that you eliminate 'Carewashing' from your organization? Here are three actions you can take: 1. Conduct genuine assessments and act on feedback 2. Develop comprehensive wellness programs with tangible support 2. Foster a culture of open communication and inclusivity Worried about 'Carewashing' in your organization? Contact us today to learn how we can help you implement complete HR programs in your organization. #JoutaHR #Carewashing #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeWellness #Workplace