Breaking the Silence: Supporting Employees with Addictions in the Workplace – HR News
Summary
Professor Marcantonio Spada, Chief Clinical Officer at Onebright, argues that Addiction Awareness Week 2025’s theme “Let’s Talk” is a timely reminder that addiction is already present in most workplaces and too often hidden by shame and silence.
The piece lays out stark statistics: around 10 million people in England regularly exceed low-risk drinking guidelines, roughly 600,000 are alcohol dependent, and about one in eight people in the UK struggle with behavioural addictions (gambling, gaming, problematic social media or pornography use). Many people who need treatment do not receive it, and mental health needs often go unaddressed alongside addiction.
The article explains how addiction shows up at work—unexplained absences, falling performance, mood changes and conduct issues—and why employers should act. It sets out clear employer actions: leadership modelling, manager training, multiple confidential communication channels, transparent policies, proactive mental-health monitoring, and tackling root causes such as stress and poor work–life balance.
The core message: addiction retreats when workplaces create safety, openness and practical support. Employers shouldn’t ask whether addiction exists in their organisation; they should ask whether employees feel able to talk about it.
Key Points
Why should I read this?
Look — this stuff is happening in your workplace now, and silence makes it worse. The article cuts through stigma and gives practical, immediately usable steps HR teams and leaders can adopt to catch issues early, support people properly and protect the business. Short, sharp and useful: worth five minutes of your time if you manage people.
Author style
Punchy. Professor Spada combines clinical detail with direct workplace advice. The tone underlines urgency: this isn’t an abstract wellbeing topic — it’s a people risk that can be mitigated with leadership, training and clear policies.
Context and Relevance
This article ties into broader trends: rising visibility of behavioural addictions, the ongoing push to destigmatise mental health at work, and the growing expectation that employers provide holistic wellbeing support. With Addiction Awareness Week and the “Let’s Talk” theme, it’s timely guidance for HR leaders, line managers and executives who need to translate awareness into policy, training and day-to-day practice.