General Forums >> Jobs and Career Advice >> An Alcoholic at a Small Company
An Alcoholic at a Small Company
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Posted 5 months ago I work for a small law firm (20) employees. One of the middle tier lawyers is definitely an alcoholic. I have smelled alcohol on his breath and have seen him get far more intoxicated than the rest of us at company events. However, people don't seem to be upset about his performance on the job. Its a tough one because he seems to be functioning well, yet is drinking (at times) on the job. What do I do? |
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| Posted 5 months ago Next time he starts complaining tell him to shut up and have a beer. No, but seriously, alcoholism is a serious problem in the workplace. Maybe you should give him a bottle of whiskey for Christmas. |
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| Posted 5 months ago If this person reports to you, by all means, confront him. "Jim, I smell alcohol on your breath. Have you been drinking?" Just be aware that some legal medications may cause an odor. If the person has been drinking, call a cab and send them home. Then give them a written warning. I have never seen someone that is able to continue functioning at a high level if they are drinking on the job. |
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| Posted 5 months ago I like that approach of calling a cab Catbert. I think they should be sent home if they have been drinking on the job. I also agree that even if 90 % of his work is satisfactory, being an alcoholic always catches up to you in the workplace. It is good to give feedback if you are noticing signs of alcoholism. |
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| Posted about 1 month ago Better do your ADA homework and/or consult an attorney before you do any of the above. Todd |
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| Posted about 1 month ago I agree with Michael that alcoholism is a serious issue but before jumping to drastic measures such as termination of employment, the problem indicates the need of help. I don't know how many organizations have built-in these kinds of linkages within their organizational structures. I am aware of employee assistance programmes within HR as one possibility where discussion and referral can be done to help the person. It can be very useful for employees who are experiencing stress levels which often accompany the daily use of alcohol. I would be interested in knowing if this is something which small companies may also have within HR . |
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| Posted about 1 month ago Yes, a lot of smaller companies have instituted EAPs. I've helped several companies set these up, not within the HR department, but using outside professional EAP companies. It also helps with SOX compliance for those companies who must comply. Todd |
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| Posted about 1 month ago The EAP would be the best avenue, but we all know the EAP's are strictly voluntary. Most insurance companies also include initial visits free to the employee if they are covered under the plan. A couple of factors to think about.... Does this individual recognize he has a problem? If so, is he willing to get help? Does the company have a drug free and/or alcohol policy in place? Has he requested any reasonable accommodation? Is he eligible for FMLA or STD? Have you involved the highest authority in the law firm and/or have brought this to their attention? Nonetheless, the best thing you can do is DOCUMENT every course of action, including any communication to and from the employee as it relates to his drinking problem. |
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| Posted about 1 month ago Alcoholism or drug related problem persist in work places . As management ,hings can be sorted out or handled indifferent ways . I have read the others views also . The whole thing depends on the national law , corporate policy or service rule and social aptitude or accomodation . In the first instance if the service rule does not permit s/he can dealt with this . Even if it is not mentioned i the service rule it can be confronted on tthe point of work place environment destabiliser . On top of it individual may be counseled which can be logged in his service profile along with his performance record . An alternative of this indidual can be taken into confidnce by one of the colleagues and counsell him. off course who has come upto this level does not require counselling . |