Go Sober for October – What’s it all about?
Go Sober for October is a national campaign run by Macmillan Cancer Support that encourages people to go alcohol-free for 31 days. It’s a chance to reset, raise funds for a good cause, and reflect on how alcohol fits into daily life.
For employers, it’s also a timely reminder to think about how alcohol culture shows up in the workplace – whether that’s social drinking at work events, employees turning to alcohol to cope with stress, or alcohol-related absence.
Supporting initiatives like Go Sober for October can help you promote and normalise healthier drinking habits, reduce risks associated with alcohol at work, and build a more inclusive culture.
Alcohol misuse in the workplace
Alcohol misuse is a growing concern. In 2023, the UK recorded 10,473 alcohol-related deaths (ONS), the highest on record. It is estimated that around 600,000 adults in England alone need treatment for dependence (Alcohol Change), highlighting just how widespread the issue is.
In the workplace, the cost is clear:
- Alcohol is linked to £7.3 billion worth of lost working days annually (Home Office, 2012), with 40% of employers citing it as a major contributor to absence and underperformance (CIPD)
- A third of employees say they’ve witnessed substance misuse at work
- More than 60% of workers admit they drink to cope with stress or anxiety (Alcohol Change)
For HR teams, this underlines the need for proactive strategies – not only to ensure compliance and safety but to support staff wellbeing and engagement.
What are the risks of alcohol misuse for businesses?
Alcohol misuse doesn’t just affect individuals outside of work – it has far-reaching implications within the workplace too.
From a health perspective, excessive alcohol use is linked to a wide range of conditions, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, certain cancers, digestive issues, and poor mental health. Over time, this can lead to reduced resilience and a greater risk of chronic illness and long-term sickness absence.
Beyond the health consequences, alcohol misuse poses other serious risks for organisations. It can lead to:
• Increased absenteeism and presenteeism
• Higher accident rates, particularly in safety-critical roles
• Reduced productivity and poor decision-making
• Workplace tensions, as colleagues may feel unsafe or unsupported
In some industries, such as construction, hospitality and finance, where drinking is often more ingrained in workplace socialising, the risks of alcohol misuse can be particularly high.
Employers also have a responsibility to protect staff wellbeing and ensure a safe working environment, and failing to address alcohol misuse can have reputational, legal and cultural repercussions.
What are the benefits of supporting sobriety?
Encouraging alcohol-free initiatives isn’t just good for individuals – it makes business sense too, demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing that can strengthen retention and employer brand.
The short-term benefits of reducing or stopping drinking include improved sleep, concentration and mood, while longer-term outcomes range from better physical health to reduced reliance on alcohol as a coping strategy. As a result, workplaces that support sobriety or moderation often see improved engagement and lower rates of absence and presenteeism among their workforce.
These initiatives can also help prompt a shift in attitudes to drinking and encourage a more inclusive culture – one where people don’t feel excluded if they choose not to drink.
How can employers and HR create a supportive culture?
Shifting workplace culture doesn’t have to mean banning alcohol altogether. Instead, it’s about offering balance and choice:
• Run sober socials – from team breakfasts to lunchtime activities – that don’t revolve around alcohol.
• Ensure events always include non-alcoholic alternatives so everyone feels welcome.
• Provide training for managers and HR teams to recognise the signs of alcohol misuse and handle issues sensitively.
• Develop clear policies around alcohol use in the workplace and review and update them regularly.
What can your business do next?
Go Sober for October provides the perfect opportunity to start conversations about alcohol in the workplace and promote healthier habits.
At Medigold Health, we support businesses with:
- Drug and alcohol awareness training for leaders and teams
- Policy development and review services to ensure compliance and best practice
If you’re looking to build a safer, healthier and more inclusive workplace, our experts are here to help.
Get in touch with us here!
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