Strategies for employers amid surging consumption

By Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Commercial Business

Alcohol use has become so deeply woven into our cultural fabric that its consumption often goes unquestioned. But a growing body of research signals a troubling trend: high intensity drinking is up among middle-aged adults, who make up a significant portion of today’s workforce. This demographic shift has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, the former U.S. surgeon general warned about the rising burden of cancer linked to alcohol consumption, and research funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates that 35- to 50-year-olds reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group. In Montana, this pattern is worth noting. According to America’s Health Rankings, nearly 20% of adults report excessive drinking — placing the state among the highest in the nation and highlighting an opportunity for more open conversations around alcohol, health, and prevention.

A growing health and workplace concern

Excessive alcohol consumption is both a personal health issue and a public health crisis with serious implications for employers. Chronic, high-risk drinking has been linked to heart disease, liver failure, mental health challenges, and increased cancer risk. At the same time, other stressors—including economic uncertainty, job pressures, and post-pandemic burnout—are likely fueling higher rates of unhealthy alcohol use. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of workers reported experiencing work-related stress in the past month, a key contributor to substance misuse.

Employees struggling with alcohol use disorder miss an average of 32 workdays per year, contributing to over 232 million missed workdays annually in the U.S. For Montana employers, addressing this issue is especially important given the state’s higher-than-average rates of excessive drinking. The ripple effect—reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and turnover—translates to an estimated $81 billion in annual losses for U.S. businesses.

Recognizing the signs 

Common signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the workplace include employees not meeting deadlines, experiencing memory impairment, or showing distress when alcohol isn’t available. They may have unusual difficulty completing everyday tasks, disappear for no apparent reason or frequently call in sick or show up late. It’s important to note that not all people who struggle with alcohol use will exhibit the same symptoms. These behavioral and physical signs aren’t always connected to alcohol.

Supporting your workforce

To mitigate these challenges, employers can implement strategies to support their workforce.

1. Promote the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Actively communicate the availability of counseling services offered through EAPs. These programs, which are generally offered at no cost to employees, offer support for those struggling with alcohol use, including referrals to addiction specialists and treatment programs. 

2. Offer a comprehensive network of providers. Work with a benefit provider that offers an extensive network of healthcare providers specializing in substance use disorders and behavioral health. Providers that offer specialized care can offer personalized care plans, including in-person and virtual treatment options to help employees receive the right level of support tailored to their needs.

3. Facilitate digital health solutions. Offer digital health solutions that provide accessible and flexible support for employees. These can include educational content to help your workforce understand the impact of alcohol consumption and problem drinking, as well as self-screening tests, virtual support groups, telehealth services, and app-based tools to help them access care discreetly and conveniently.

4. Foster a supportive work environment. Training managers to recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder and providing them with resources to support their teams may help create a more supportive and understanding environment. Regularly communicating the availability of resources and support can also reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek help.

By taking proactive steps to address alcohol use in the workplace, employers can help create a supportive and productive environment, reduce the financial burden of alcohol use disorders, and improve overall employee well-being. In Montana, these efforts can make a positive impact on both employees and the broader community.

Prepared for Big Sky Business Journal to run in June