A striking new survey has revealed that almost two-thirds (64%) of UK workers report drinking alcohol for work-related reasons, with job stress, pressure and anxiety driving increased consumption over the past 12 months, according to research by Alcohol Change UK.

Work Stress Fuelling Alcohol Consumption

The comprehensive study of more than 2,000 employed UK respondents, released during Alcohol Awareness Week (7-13 July 2025), highlights concerning trends in drinking alcohol for work-related reasons. Among those who report drinking for work-related reasons in the past year:

• Four in 10 (40%) consumed more alcohol due to work-related anxiety
• Almost four in 10 (38%) drank more to cope with work stress
• Over a third (36%) increased consumption because of workplace pressure or deadlines
• Nearly three in 10 (29%) reported higher alcohol intake due to job insecurity

Jane Gardiner, Head of Consultancy & Training at Alcohol Change UK, warned about the dangers of drinking alcohol for work-related reasons as a coping mechanism: “While it may offer short-term relief for some, over time it’s more likely to worsen feelings of stress, anxiety and pressure and lead to a cycle of self-medicating that can be hard to break free from.”

The Hidden Impact on Performance

Despite the prevalence of drinking alcohol for work-related reasons, only one-fifth (21%) of workers believe their drinking outside work impacts their job performance, with a majority (59%) disagreeing that alcohol affects their work capabilities.

However, the data reveals significant gender differences, with almost twice as many men (27%) than women (15%) acknowledging that alcohol impacts their workplace performance. This recognition is even higher among those exceeding the Chief Medical Officers’ low-risk drinking guidelines of 14 units per week (33%).

The economic implications are substantial, with research from the Institute of Alcohol Studies suggesting that alcohol-related absenteeism and reduced performance costs the economy approximately £4 billion annually in England alone.

Strong Appetite for Workplace Intervention

The survey reveals encouraging signs that employees recognise the need for preventative action regarding work-related drinking patterns. More than eight in 10 (83%) workers believe employers have some responsibility to address alcohol in the workplace, with only 9% thinking employers bear no responsibility.

Key findings about employee attitudes include:

• Over a third (36%) feel more comfortable discussing mental health than alcohol in the workplace
• A third (33%) believe their workplace would benefit from alcohol awareness and education
• Almost four in 10 (38%) would welcome employer-organised staff training about workplace alcohol

Breaking the Cycle: A Personal Perspective

Patrick Fox, Community Champion for Alcohol Change UK, shared his experience of workplace alcohol culture across various sectors: “Alcohol was prevalent in all of them. It was a focal point of pretty much everything and there was an unwritten expectation to drink.”

Fox described how workplace alcohol consumption became normalised: “It was so accepted that you’d go out for drinks on Thursday and then muddle your way through Friday. It was the norm, not the exception.”

His transformation after addressing his relationship with alcohol demonstrates the potential for positive change: “Rethinking my relationship with alcohol has radically changed my life and career path. For the past five years, I’ve run my own life coaching business, something that didn’t seem possible when I was in a culture of drinking in the workplace.”

Moving Towards Prevention-Focused Solutions

The research indicates a shift in workplace attitudes, with employees showing strong support for preventative measures rather than reactive responses to workplace alcohol problems. This mirrors progress made in workplace mental health initiatives, suggesting that alcohol awareness could follow a similar trajectory.

Gardiner emphasised the importance of proactive approaches: “What’s hugely positive is that employees appear to recognise that preventative, proactive action is where alcohol factors in – above reactive action when an issue presents itself.”

The findings suggest that addressing patterns of drinking alcohol for work-related reasons requires comprehensive strategies that tackle both the availability of alcohol in work settings and the underlying stressors that drive employees to drink. With such strong employee support for workplace alcohol education and awareness programmes, organisations have a clear mandate to implement preventative measures that could significantly improve both individual wellbeing and workplace productivity.

As Alcohol Awareness Week continues, these findings serve as a powerful reminder that drinking alcohol for work-related reasons affects the majority of UK workers and that collaborative, prevention-focused approaches offer the best path forward for creating healthier, more productive work environments.

Source: dbrecoveryresources