'Taboo subject' | Addiction in the workplace: the silent struggle employers can't afford to ignore

From after-work drinks to the pressures of meeting back-to-back deadlines, the modern workplace is no stranger to stress. But for many, these pressures aren’t just something to brush off at the end of the day - they can be a gateway to something much more serious. 

According to new research from Bupa, more than one in three workers have either used or witnessed addictive behaviours or substance use during working hours. And with more than half of UK employees saying they’ve personally struggled with addiction, it’s clear the issue is far more widespread than many employers may realise.

The survey of over 3,000 people paints a concerning picture of how addiction manifests at work, and how often it goes unnoticed or unspoken. Alcohol, gambling, recreational drugs, even compulsive behaviours like social media scrolling or cryptocurrency trading all feature among the dependencies people are turning to. For nearly half (48%), it’s stress that drives them to it. A similar number cite work-related pressure or even the workplace culture itself as contributing factors.

And yet, despite the scale of the problem, stigma remains a major barrier. Almost half of workers say they’d rather hide an addiction than talk about it at work. Others say they’ve avoided seeking medical or professional help altogether, fearing judgement or professional consequences.