Managers who have knowledge, a clear mandate, and experience with alcohol-related issues report that they more frequently introduce preventive measures at work. This is shown by a survey conducted by the University of Gothenburg.
The researchers sent out a web-based questionnaire to a national panel of just over 9,000 people, 4,723 of whom were managers. They were asked about their knowledge, their attitudes, and whether they actually inform staff about the company's alcohol policy, raise the issue of alcohol use ahead of staff parties, and organise training for employees.
The results show that managers who have recently taken a course or held responsibility for alcohol issues report carrying out nearly four times as many preventive measures as colleagues without such a background. Having previously supported someone with alcohol problems in private life, and working in a workplace with a clear zero-tolerance norm, also increased the likelihood of taking action. In contrast, gender, age, and formal qualifications had little impact.
"When managers have knowledge of what is at stake and have a clear mandate, they do something about it," says Kristina Berglund, associate professor of psychology at the University of Gothenburg.
Important role of middle managers
In the analysis, the researchers weighted the responses to identify the factors that best predict action. In short: the more strongly managers feel that they have knowledge about alcohol and the authority to work with the issue, the greater the chance that something actually happens.
Middle managers turned out to be the most action-oriented, probably because they both interact with staff and have enough influence to implement changes.
At the same time, the researchers emphasise that the study measures correlations at a single point in time; it does not show causality. Still, the pattern is clear and provides concrete guidance for employers who want to invest in the right areas.
"Organisations can help reduce risky alcohol use by strengthening managers' knowledge, responsibility, and support," says Gunnel Hensing, professor of social medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, who is leading the project behind the study.
The study is a collaboration between researchers in psychology, social medicine, theory of science, and business administration, and is funded by Afa Insurance.
