Dealing with Possible Alcohol Use by Employees in the Work Place

[Al Dyer]

Alcohol

To whomever,

If I've placed this in the wrong place please feel free to move it.

I am finally to the point in my business endeavor where I have hired a person to help me. Let it be known that I am an alcoholic (dry) and do know of what I speak. This person is at a point where I consider their work close to impeccible but I have noticed the smell of alcohol on their breath in the morning.

I have noticed it at no other time and am somewhat apprehensive to bring it up at this moment. (morning breath, scope, cough syrup etc...) I do know all the old adages and methods but this is the first time it has happened to me.

Is it now time to confront the person or still monitor the situation to ensure that it does not effect the business I have already in place??

Really need help this time covers!!!

Al... (worried)

 

[mshell]

Al,

If this is occuring on a regular basis, I would say it is time to approach the subject. If it is something that has only happened one or two times then I would monitor the situation, monitor the employees work performance and take action if this becomes a recurring problem of if you see a decline in work perfomance.

One question... Is the person intoxicated at work or is this a morning after thing?

 

[RoxaneB]

Tricky situation, Al. I don't know how well you know your new colleague, but perhaps a lunch out or light supper after hours is in order? You could talk about how you got to where you are, what prompted you start your own company and the obstacles you faced. This would segway into past actions with alcohol. Talk about how you realized that there was a problem...what it cost you. This might prompt the other person to talk about their life, etc. Could open a few doors...just some thoughts.

Good luck.

 

[David Hartman]

Or, you could just approach the individual and let them know of your concern (you're assuming that this was a one-time thing, and that it won't happen again, etc.).

I really wouldn't go any farther unless you notice it again. If it does, then you might consider other actions (a Letter of Reprimand w/ a copy in their file, etc.).

Be patient, but be cautious, as you are aware if it gets out of hand, or if customers would happen to note the odor, it could impact your business.

 

[Al Dyer]

So far only the morning and no noticable decline in performance. I'm leaning towards a talk over dinner after work.

Al...

 

[Mike S.]

I think there are some mouthwashes that smell like booze -- a friend of mine who rarely if ever drinks smells like booze before his first cup of coffee. So use care. I'd run it by some HR experts familiar with the laws in your state. You can do this at www.hr.com and/or www.workforce.com -- at least they used to have a free forum like this only with HR issues and HR experts. Good luck!

 

[SteelMaiden]

Al, just to throw another kicker into the mix, some medical conditions (most commonly diabetes) can leave a person's breath smelling like alcohol. I think talking to this person is a good place to start. You could then move on, if future occurrences warrant, to for cause blood testing. I am not an HR expert, but you need to handle this issue very carefully to limit your liability. Good luck.

 

[Greg B]

Al,

We have an alchohol screening process at our work and ALL employees and staff are tested yearly and at random. If we came to work with anything in our system we would undoubtedly be 'nominated' for screening

Greg B

 

[Wes Bucey]

When in doubt, ask!

So far only the morning and no noticable decline in performance. I'm leaning towards a talk over dinner after work.

Al...

You have my sympathy in dealing with this problem.
I perceive your biggest problem with this is your own special knowledge.

Let's consider it like any other business/quality problem we want to solve.
First question - does alcohol breath mean imbibing or something else?
If it is imbibing, is this a problem of actual impairment or of imputing impairment because of Al's experience?
If actual impairment, is employee worth rehabilitating?
If imputing impairment when none exists, is it fair or legal?
If it is not imbibing, is it some other substance or does it denote illness (acidosis?)
If other substance (mouthwash, cough syrup), is it fair/legal to suggest using another product?
If illness, are you encroaching on privacy issues?

It seems to me the first question should be phrased,
"Gee John Doe, your breath smells 'medicinal' this morning. Are you OK to work today?"

Depending on the response, you can proceed further or drop the issue.

Bottom line:
I don't envy you the task.

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Bottom line:
I don't envy you the task.

Definitely not. These situations will always be awkward. Anyway, I think a lot of sound advice has been written here already, and I just want to add: If you are going to have a discussion about this: The sooner the better...

Good luck.

/Claes