Australia loves their coffee and beers, but many people can't actually stand the aftereffects of the latter. In fact, hangovers lead to more than 11 million leaves and absences, which translate to huge costs for businesses.
This is the finding of a new study conducted by Flinders University. The researchers wish to establish the relationship between alcoholism and absenteeism, then, to a wider scope, to the country's economy and society.
For the study, they used the data available in National Drug Strategy Household Survey in 2013. At least 12,000 people participated. For comparison, they used two types of assessments. First, participants self-reported their absences due to hangover and drug use. Second, the researchers determined the mean difference for all absences caused by illness or injury due to drugs and alcoholism.
Based on the analyses of all the information, drug and alcohol use can lead to absences that will translate to huge amounts of losses for businesses. To be more specific, the first set contributed to 2.5 million days amounting to over $650 million (using $26.70 based on the average wage plus other costs). Those who suffered injuries or illnesses such as hangover, due to their habits, could compel a loss of over 10 million days or $3 billion of monetary losses.
Not only that, these habits can also be detrimental to the user's career. People who experience a Weepy Wednesday, which refers to a time when the employee is depressed due to the delayed effects of the drugs, may be considered as unreliable and difficult to work with.
The researchers explain that drugs and alcohol can change the body works, including the release of chemicals that alter body activities and a weaker immune system.
Fortunately, this is not a lost cause. The researchers then recommend a thoughtful, evidence-based intervention that includes training, education, counseling, and therapy for employees to mitigate the risks.