New portal addiction problems in the workplace

Website offers help with addiction problems in the workplace

04/13/2012

Many employees have addiction problems that are also noticeable in their workplace. Addictive substance consumption has immediate consequences for the working world. The efficiency decreases, the accident and injury risk increases and the working climate suffers. With a new internet portal, the largest German health insurances Barmer GEK and the German main office for addiction issues (DHS) want to offer human resources managers, those affected and their colleagues assistance.

On Thursday, the Barmer GEK and the German main office for addiction issues have been providing information on the causes and consequences of addictive substance use at work as well as company addiction programs, preventive measures and methods of intervention. Here, supervisors, colleagues and stakeholders receive information and support on problems with alcohol, drugs or drugs in the workplace, according to the Barmer GEK.

Substance abuse in the workplace a sensitive topic
Addiction problems in the workplace are a sensitive issue that is swept too far too often under the table. Although many companies are now conducting a drug test for new hires, addictions that only develop during the employment relationship can not be avoided in this way. Also, alcohol is not covered here as a legal addictive substance. For the supervisors and colleagues dealing with those affected is often difficult and they often feel overwhelmed. Here are in particular the „Executives are urged to act and intervene as early as possible, ie to intervene“, so the statement on the new Internet portal. The use of addictive substances is a sensitive topic that should not be avoided, but actively addressed by HR managers. The new website also shows possibilities for intervention and general dealing with those affected.

Relationship between working conditions and addiction problems
According to the expert from Barmer-GEK, Rüdiger Meierjürgen, substance abuse at the workplace is often directly related to general working conditions. Many employees would „in times of turbulent upheavals in the world of work, coping with hectic and stressful working life with addictive substances“, explained Meierjürgen. With the new information portal, HR managers and employees should not only be sensitized to the problems, but should also receive practical assistance in preventing, intervening and dealing with those affected. Those affected will also find useful hints and links to further counseling services. The initiators of the Internet portal also refer to the existing good ones „Programs for the prevention of addiction problems in the workplace“, at whose development a „Large number of committed employees in companies and administrations, counseling and prevention centers, in research institutes and institutes, corporate networks and health insurances“ involved.

Prevention of addiction problems in the workplace
Prevention and prevention also occupy an important position on the new Internet portal. On the one hand, measures for the companies are presented here, „which serve to reduce substance use and reduce risks in the workplace“. On the other hand, opportunities for „Strengthening personal and social skills“ presents. The managing director of the German main office for addiction questions, Raphael Gaßmann, emphasized that in the enterprises the consequences of the drug consumption are often already clearly noticeable and the enterprises should therefore already out of self-interest with such health problems help out.

The new website also discusses how addiction problems can be identified and what the consequences are. The internet portal of Barmer GEK and the DHS also offers not only pure information but also practical help, such as interview guidelines for the intervention or tips for implementing an occupational addiction program. (Fp)

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Image: Paul-Georg Meister