Skip to main content

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now opens in a new tab

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now opens in a new tab

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now opens in a new tab

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now opens in a new tab
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • My Accountopens in a new tab
    • Logout
  • Global
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM
About
Book a Speaker
Join Today opens in a new tab
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Membership
  • Certification
    Certification

    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL opens in a new tab
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL opens in a new tab
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    Events & Education

    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego opens in a new tab

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25 opens in a new tab
      • The AI+HI Project 2025 opens in a new tab
      • INCLUSION 2025 opens in a new tab
      • Talent 2026 opens in a new tab
      • Linkage Institute 2025 opens in a new tab
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education" opens in a new tab
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition opens in a new tab
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    Community

    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect opens in a new tab

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center opens in a new tab
Close
  • Membership
  • Certification
    back
    Certification
    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    back
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL opens in a new tab
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL opens in a new tab
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    back
    Events & Education
    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego opens in a new tab

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25 opens in a new tab
      • The AI+HI Project 2025 opens in a new tab
      • INCLUSION 2025 opens in a new tab
      • Talent 2026 opens in a new tab
      • Linkage Institute 2025 opens in a new tab
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    back
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education" opens in a new tab
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition opens in a new tab
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    back
    Community
    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect opens in a new tab

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center opens in a new tab
Join Today opens in a new tab
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • About
  • Book a Speaker
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
SHRM
Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account opens in a new tab
    • Logout
Close
Already have an account?

  1. Topics & Tools
  2. Workplace News & Trends
  3. Employee Relations
  4. Drunk at Work: What HR Can Do About Employees Drinking on the Job
Share
  • opens in a new tab Linked In
  • opens in a new tab Facebook
  • opens in a new tab Twitter
  • opens in a new tab Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More opens in a new tab
Newsopens in a new tab

Drunk at Work: What HR Can Do About Employees Drinking on the Job

Spate of inquiries about on-the-job drunkenness raises questions about protocol

January 31, 2017 | Dana Wilkie

A woman is sitting at a desk with her head resting on a desk.


​Your colleague in the next cubicle seems out of sorts: Her eyes are bloodshot; when she walks to the bathroom, her gait is unsteady; her phone conversations are marred by slurred speech.

Is she ill? On medication? Or could she be drunk?

In recent days, the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) HR Knowledge Center received an unusual number of inquiries about how to handle workers inebriated on the job.

"The fact that employees are presenting at work under the influence of alcohol is an indication that their drinking is significantly impacting their judgment—a sign that they are in desperate need of help," said Tammy Hoyman, CEO of Des Moines, Iowa-based Employee & Family Resources Inc., which provides employee prevention, intervention and treatment services.

Time of Year May Bring on Drinking

The spate of SHRM inquiries about on-the-job drinking could reflect the time of year, workplace attorneys and substance abuse experts said.

"I suspect winter depression—or boredom—may be playing into it," said Robin Shea, a partner with Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete in Winston-Salem, N.C. "It's also possible that not everyone was able to immediately end the bad habits they picked up during the holiday season."  

January and February can be depressing months for some people. The holidays are over, the days are cold and sunlight is sparse.

"We do know that seasonal affective disorder is more prevalent at this time of year," said Pam Calvano, director of the Michiana Employee Assistance Program, which provides employee assistance program services to employers in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

It's likely that most employers will eventually encounter a worker with an alcohol problem, Hoyman said.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in New York City, alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States: 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffers from alcohol abuse or dependence. That doesn't include several million more who engage in risky, binge-drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems, Hoyman said.

[SHRM members-only Express Request: Accommodating Alcoholismopens in a new tab]

Drunk, Ill or on Medication?

Managers should know the telltale signs of on-the-job drinking, but they should never accuse a worker of being inebriated, Shea said.

"It's possible that an employee with an illness or who is on legal medication may be too impaired to work safely or effectively," she said. "An employee in this situation … should not be subjected to punitive measures."

Substance abuse experts suggest that employers focus on what they can observe—bloodshot eyes, an odor of alcohol, slurred speech—without trying to figure out the cause.

"Managers should never be put in the position to diagnose the problem," Calvano said. "Identifying behaviors of concern and stating those observations with proper documentation should be the extent of their interaction with suspected intoxication. Point out what is observed without specifically identifying alcohol use. For example, 'I am not sure what is wrong, but I am concerned by your unsteady gait and slurred words.' "  

The only way to be certain that a worker is drunk is to have the worker take a blood alcohol test, a breathalyzer or some similar test, Shea said.  

To Test or Not to Test

An employer should not request or require an alcohol test unless there is "reasonable cause," Shea said. This could include slurred speech, an odor of alcohol, an accident that appears to have been caused by substance abuse, impaired mobility or the discovery of empty bottles of alcohol in the employee's desk drawer.

An employee can refuse to take an alcohol test, Calvano said. But a worker whose condition of employment required agreeing to alcohol testing for reasonable cause can likely be terminated for this refusal, and the employer would probably be on sound legal footing, Hoyman said. She added that employers should check state and local laws on workplace drug and alcohol testing.

In the absence of a company policy, it's wise to consult with a workplace attorney on the legality of requiring such testing or on the legality of firing a worker who refuses to undergo such testing, Hoyman said. This consultation should happen long before a manager is faced with a worker who might be drunk on the job, she said.

In the absence of a specific policy that the employee has  agreed to abide by, Shea suggested that:

  • A manager document his or her observations of the employee regarding behavior, slurred speech or odor, perhaps with one or two witnesses.
  • A manager take the employee aside, again with HR or managerial witnesses, to discuss the behavior.
  • If the employee doesn't have a legitimate explanation for the behavior, have a manager drive the employee to the alcohol testing site, assuming the organization has one.
  • The manager should stay at the site during the test and then escort the employee back to the worksite or drive him or her home.
  • If the test is positive, require the employee to go through rehabilitation, or face discipline or suspension, depending on the employer's policies.


Extenuating Circumstances?

Shea said employers may want to consider extenuating circumstances if a worker is drunk on the job.

"Bereavement could certainly be an extenuating circumstance, as could a divorce or a child custody proceeding," she said. "To avoid discrimination claims, be careful that you are not more 'merciful' with employees of a given race, sex, national origin or other protected category. As an additional defense, employers who make these occasional exceptions [due to extenuating circumstances] should document thoroughly the reason for the exception."  

Hoyman said the employer's response should also take into account the company's overall experience with the employee, the impact of the drinking on the company and the workplace, and how others have been treated in similar circumstances.

"Generally, we recommend compassion and accommodations for employees who suffer from a substance use disorder to allow them to get help, but also recommend using caution with substance use in the workplace," she said. "In most workplaces, impairment due to alcohol or drugs poses risks and dangers to everyone. It's prudent to take actions that remove the intoxicated employee or isolate [the individual] to a designated area, such as the HR department or a nurse's office, until they can be transported home or to a medical facility."

Accommodations

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an alcoholic is a person with a disability and is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if he or she is qualified to perform the essential functions of a job. In such instances, an employer may be required to provide an accommodation to the individual.

However, an employer can discipline, discharge or deny employment to an individual whose use of alcohol adversely affects his or her job performance or conduct, Hoyman said.

Hoyman acknowledged that despite these accommodation requirements, there can be a stigma attached to alcoholism that isn't attached to other ADA-covered conditions. Employers should proceed carefully when it comes to employees who struggle with alcoholism.

"The stereotypes of the alcoholic as less reliable, trustworthy or productive are based on outdated beliefs and assumptions about addiction," she said. "According to the NCADD, addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease. Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing substances again."

ADA accommodations might include time off to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings or other rehabilitation. It is important, Shea said, that the employer not treat the employee who has alcoholism differently from an employee who does not have alcoholism but who shows up to work hung over a few times a year.

"The employer couldn't simply chuckle at employee A, who isn't an alcoholic, for coming to work hung over after a night of binge drinking while disciplining employee B, who is an alcoholic, for doing the same thing," she said.

Was this article useful? SHRM offers thousands of tools, templates and other exclusive member benefits, including compliance updates, sample policies, HR expert advice, education discounts, a growing online member community and much more. Join/Renew Now and let SHRM help you work smarter.

Communication opens in a new tab
Employee Conduct opens in a new tab
Employee Relations opens in a new tab

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions opens in a new tab
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRMopens in a new tab
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Partner with Us
  • Copyright & Permissions
  • Post a Jobopens in a new tab
  • Find an HR Jobopens in a new tab
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn opens in a new tab
  • Facebook opens in a new tab
  • Twitter opens in a new tab
  • Instagram opens in a new tab
  • YouTube opens in a new tab
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article 1 of 1
Limit Reached
Not Logged In - SHRM Metered Content

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?