Almost two thirds (64%) of UK workers report drinking alcohol for work-related reasons, with job stress, pressure and anxiety behind increased consumption in the past 12 months, according to new research by Alcohol Change UK.
Released to mark the start of Alcohol Awareness Week (7-13 July 2025), this year's focus is on the relationship between alcohol and work. The survey of more than 2,000 employed UK respondents explored how our working experiences may be influencing our drinking habits and the ways in which alcohol consumption may be impacting our work.
The findings also point to strong appetite among employees for preventative action and education around alcohol at work, with a large majority recognising the role that employers play in improving staff health and wellbeing.
In the past 12 months, among those who report drinking alcohol for work-related reasons:
- Four out of 10 (40%) drank more alcohol due to work-related anxiety.
- A similar proportion (38%) drank more alcohol to cope with stress at work.
- Over a third (36%) drank more alcohol because of pressure or deadlines at work.
- Almost three out of 10 (29%) report increased alcohol consumption due to job insecurity.
When asked about our all-time drinking habits related to work, the availability of alcohol in workplaces, the provision of alcohol for free, and work-related stress were the top three reasons.
"Although the work we do is hugely varied, this research suggests that in the last year many of us have been drinking more alcohol in an attempt to manage work-related stress, anxiety, pressure and job insecurity.," said Jane Gardiner, Head of Consultancy & Training at Alcohol Change UK.
"Yet, from poor sleep and hangovers to high blood pressure, depression and other health conditions, alcohol can take a big toll on our health and wellbeing. While it may offer short-term relief for some, over time it's more likely to worsen feelings of stress, anxiety and pressure and lead to a cycle of self-medicating that can be hard to break free from, even if we want to."
While the research suggests that work is influencing our drinking habits, only one fifth (21%) of workers believe their alcohol consumption outside work, such as on weekdays, evenings or days off, impacts their job performance. A majority (59%) disagree that their drinking of alcohol impacts their performance.
Despite the majority of respondents disagreeing that alcohol impacts their performance at work, research from the Institute of Alcohol Studies suggests that alcohol-related absenteeism or reduced performance costs the economy around £4 billion annually in England alone.
The new poll found that just over a third (36%) of workers agree they feel more comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace than alcohol. A similar proportion (33%) agree their workplace would benefit from alcohol awareness and education, while almost four in ten agree (38%) they would welcome their employer organising staff training and education about alcohol in the workplace.
"Mirroring the progress seen in mental health in the workplace in recent years to drive conversations, boost compassion and support and reduce stigma, it's so encouraging to see such strong appetite for alcohol awareness and education from workers," Jane Gardiner added.
"What's hugely positive is that employees appear to recognise that preventative, proactive action is where alcohol factors in – above reactive action when an issue presents itself. It's this kind of support that will start to make alcohol less of a taboo subject, raise awareness of the impact of our drinking habits on our overall health and wellbeing and prevent avoidable alcohol harm before it happens."