To answer the question, statistics say about R20 billion.
But we can’t relate to figures like this. It’s not real. And it offers no solution for drug and alcohol addiction related destructive consequences.
So what are the consequences – and what solution can we find to correct the problem and protect your company?
Loss of morale, productivity and confidence
Productivity suffers as result of increased absenteeism, sick leave, and tardiness. There are no shows at work on Mondays; hangovers which impede performance; deteriorating customer service and quality of work; even an increase in illegal activities.
Addicts may collude with security guards to gain access to work premises after hours and steal computers, laptops and tablets.
Company vehicles are used to visit drug dealers and company petrol is sold to pay them. Injuries and fatal accident risks are increased. The addicted employee has to go. But employee dismissal is slow and disruptive. Staff turnover and training is expensive.
The anger and resentment that builds up when functioning staff have to cover for dysfunctional colleagues grows, especially when they have to increase their work load to ensure the safety of their own jobs.
Bad decision-making will be costly
Perhaps the most insidious long term and dangerously unnoticeable consequences are the bad decisions that are made whilst constantly mentally foggy. Anyone who is hungover daily will be incapable of making good business decisions. This applies to employees at every level – from the boardroom down. Executives are paid to strategise and have to think clearly. Business is a moving target that needs constant vigilance. And this is unlikely to happen, if the hangovers, highs and lows of substance abuse – are ever present.
Recovery Direct Solutions
Sick employees will result in a sick workplace. We’ll talk to your HR department. We offer free training courses on what to look for, confidential assessments and practical solutions to help the employees return to health and keep your company’s productivity and bottom line where it should be.
Vaughan is a recovering alcoholic who understands the business consequences of untreated addiction in the workplace. Recovery Direct operates a premium inpatient rehab in Johannesburg and one of South Africa’s best outpatient treatment programmes as well as a host of services related to anxiety, stress, trauma, drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
