As the festive season winds down, many of us look forward to a fresh start in the new year. One popular initiative that has gained traction is Dry January – a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol. For employees, this can be a time to reset and rejuvenate, while for employers, it presents an opportunity to support staff wellbeing and enhance workplace productivity.
This short 5-minute read explores the benefits of Dry January and how employers can play a pivotal role in this journey.
The Benefits of Dry January
- Improved Physical Health: Abstaining from alcohol, according to several independent sources, for a month can lead to significant health benefits including:
- Liver Health: Alcohol Change UK highlights several studies that show the benefits of abstaining from alcohol for a month.
- Blood Pressure: According to the American Heart Association, alcohol can raise blood pressure by several points and also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Thus, reducing alcohol intake can help lower blood pressure.
- Sleep Quality: The Sleep Foundation notes that alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle, particularly REM sleep, which is the most restorative phase. Abstaining from alcohol can lead to better sleep quality and more restful nights.
- Weight Loss: The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK points out that alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Cutting out alcohol can reduce overall calorie intake and help with weight loss.
- Skin Health: The British Skin Foundation explains that alcohol can dehydrate the skin and exacerbate conditions like acne and rosacea. Taking a break from alcohol can improve skin hydration and overall appearance.
These health improvements can translate into fewer sick days and a more energetic workforce.
2. Alcohol can exacerbate stress and anxiety and impact mental health:
- Stress and Anxiety: Mental Health UK explains that alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain functioning and neural activity. While it might initially induce feelings of relaxation, it can lead to intense feelings of depression and anxiety once the effects wear off. This can create a cycle of dependence as individuals drink more to ward off these negative feelings.
- Mental Health: The Mental Health Foundation highlights that alcohol can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood, thoughts, and behaviour. The long-term effects can include increased anxiety and depression. This is because alcohol reduces the number of neurotransmitters needed to ward off these feelings.
- Long-term Effects: According to Alcohol Change UK, many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. However, this self-medication can lead to a cycle of dependence and worsen mental health problems over time.
By taking a break from alcohol, employees may find their mood stabilises, and they feel more mentally clear and focused. This can lead to a more positive work environment and better interpersonal relationships at work.
3. Increased Productivity: Healthier employees are more productive. Without the after-effects of alcohol, such as hangovers, employees are likely to be more present and engaged in their tasks. This can lead to higher quality work and better overall performance.
- The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) reports that alcohol consumption can negatively impact productivity by increasing absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick). The report highlights that reducing alcohol consumption can boost productivity and labour supply.According to Alcohol Change UK, alcohol is a significant cause of low productivity in the workplace. They note that between 3% and 5% of all work absences are caused by alcohol consumption, and 40% of employers mention alcohol as a significant factor in low productivity.
- Although the Science Group of the European Alcohol and Health Forum includes broader European data, it provides valuable insights relevant to the UK. The report discusses how alcohol-related harm in the workplace includes reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. It emphasises the need for workplace policies to address these issues.
Preventative Measures for Employers
Employers can take several steps to support their employees during Dry January and beyond:
- Promote Awareness: Educate employees about the benefits of Dry January through internal communications, such as newsletters or team meetings. Highlight the positive impacts on health and productivity.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Encourage a culture of support by organising group activities that do not involve alcohol. This could include fitness challenges, healthy cooking classes, or mindfulness sessions.
- Provide Resources: Offer access to resources such as counselling services, wellness programs, and information on alcohol support groups. This can help employees who may struggle with alcohol dependency.
- Regular Check-ins: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss workload and stress levels. This can help identify any issues early and provide support where needed.
Evidence of ROI
Investing time and resources into supporting Dry January can yield significant returns for employers:
- Reduced Absenteeism: Healthier employees are less likely to take sick days. This can lead to a reduction in absenteeism and associated costs.
- Increased Productivity: As mentioned, employees who are not dealing with the after-effects of alcohol are more productive. This can lead to better performance and higher output.
- Enhanced Employee Engagement: Showing support for employee wellbeing initiatives can boost morale and engagement. Employees who feel supported are more likely to be loyal and committed to their employer.
- Positive Workplace Culture: Promoting health and wellbeing can foster a positive workplace culture. This can make the organisation more attractive to potential hires and improve overall employee satisfaction.
Conclusion
Dry January offers a unique opportunity for both employees and employers to start the year on a healthy note. Broadstone are supportive of preventative healthcare. By taking proactive steps to support this initiative, employers can not only enhance the wellbeing of their staff but also see tangible benefits in terms of productivity and engagement. It’s a win-win situation that sets the tone for a successful year ahead.
Furthermore, a period of reduced alcohol consumption / abstaining may encourage some individuals to maintain a lower alcohol intake after January as they experience the associated health benefits.
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