Talk More About Health
Many companies today are concerned that employees should be given the conditions to live a healthy life, both at work and in their free time. Exercise, walking meetings, ergonomic furniture and healthy food are offered in the staff canteen. However, most companies still offer alcohol at staff parties, conferences and the like. How does this rhyme with the new research findings? I think that here, too, it’s about thinking about whether you really have to serve alcohol in a work context. There are many other ways to celebrate, and the workplace may not be the place to drink. At our workplace, we have actually opted out of serving alcohol altogether.
Is the view on alcohol changing? Modern research shows that there is no safe limit to drinking when it comes to how our health is affected. Even small amounts increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The annual summer party for the staff, a nice get-together after work or perhaps a spontaneous after work with colleagues. Spring and early summer offer many opportunities to celebrate, preferably with a little bubbly or something else festive in the glass. But now modern research shows that even very small amounts of alcohol are harmful to health.
At the beginning of the year, the who published a statement in the lancet public health with the message that there is no safe minimum amount of alcohol that does not affect health. The higher the alcohol intake, the higher the cancer risk, but there is no safe lower limit. I wish i could say what is a risk-free amount, but when it comes to cancer.
Almost everyone knew that alcohol in large quantities can cause cancer. But only one in five knew that even low and moderate amounts increase the risk. When we asked if you knew about it – would it affect your consumption four out of ten answered yes. It shows how important it is to spread this knowledge.
Wants to encourage everyone to think about their alcohol consumption, even if they drink moderately, and to choose their occasions. Many times we casually have a glass of wine or a drink, it is often associated with celebrating. But think a little about how you drink and when you can refrain, and try not to always serve alcohol as the norm on all occasions that are a bit festive. It doesn’t have to be about living an ascetic life, she points out, but about knowing the risks it entails. We are not looking to urge people to stop drinking completely – you have to decide that yourself – but we want everyone to be aware of the risks. Our survey has clearly shown that far from everyone knows them today.
How do you act as an employer if you want to introduce such a change? There could possibly be some protests. It’s about talking more about health than what we do. To explain why you make a decision like this and present the facts behind it. And to make health issues the norm, even those that have nothing to do with alcohol.
