Almost a quarter (24%) of 18 to 34-year-olds say they have gone to work still feeling drunk after boozy nights out over the past 12 months. According to the new research from Willis Towers Watson, half (50%) of these workers admit to having driven to work on these occasions.

 The research shows that young workers are twice as likely as colleagues aged 35 and over to come into work still feeling drunk (12%) – and that those older workers that do are less likely to drive into work on these occasions (44%). 

“These alarming findings suggest that far too many of Britain’s youth are putting their safety and wellbeing, and potentially the safety of others, at risk,” said Mike Blake, wellbeing lead at WTW. 

“The human body is only capable of processing, on average, one unit of alcohol per hour. Binge drinking can mean that alcohol remains in the bloodstream many hours later. Those drinking heavily on nights out can consequently be still feeling the effects of their alcohol consumption the next day.

“With the Christmas party season underway, the likelihood of workers coming into work still feeling drunk increases. Companies should be looking at what they can do to support workers and educate them on the dangers of excessive drinking on work nights.

“Sensitive advice and guidance on attitudes towards alcohol and sensible drinking, ranging from workshops to intranet resources, for example, can go a long way in helping to foster a responsible workforce culture.”

Just one in ten (11%) workers said their employer currently provides staff with any health advice on alcohol consumption. Furthermore, almost one in five (19%) said their employer has contributed to unhealthy levels of drinking – by encouraging alcohol consumption during staff nights out, for example, paying for work drinks and by promoting a work hard, play hard culture.

“Alcohol can be employed by some businesses to help them promote a laid back, trendy culture, while for others it is used as a staff reward, with some even hosting onsite bars,” said Blake. “But there can be other, less risky, ways for them to achieve these objectives.