Nigel Fyffe and Kyra McDowell from Firstsource Solutions in Derry launch the new ‘Drink, Work and Me’ programme, which is being rolled out to over 1200 employees.
MORE than 1200 employees at Firstsource Solutions in Derry are taking part in an innovative health programme designed to increase awareness around alcohol in the workplace.
The ‘Drink, Work and Me’ initiative, supported by Big Lottery Fund, is being run in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), Addiction NI, fasa and The Social Research Centre. Employees will be offered insights into alcohol and the affects it has on family and work.
Firstsource is recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s largest private sector employers with over 2,000 staff across its three centres in Derry and Belfast.
Their continued investment in health and wellbeing is an important part of the business not only to retain talented staff but also to boost performance across its sites.
Laura Hourican, HR GM for Firstsource UK welcomed the new initiative; “The misuse of alcohol is a significant social issue can cause problems and concern in the workplace and we feel it is important to offer a range of services and support for our team.
“Employee performance and morale is often affected by alcohol dependency or regular binge drinking. In Northern Ireland alone alcohol related absences lead to approximately 340,000 missed days of work and cost the economy £15 million each year.
“’Drink work and me’ will be offering a range of valuable services over the coming months including information sessions, training and one-to one meetings with skilled alcohol workers from Addiction NI.
“As a good employer, we are passionate about reducing the harmful impact that alcohol can sometimes have. Our new initiative will ultimately allow people to make informed choices about how often and why they should drink.
“Alcohol remains the world’s most widely used non-medical drug but programmes like this will help us create a healthier attitude towards social drinking, reduce absenteeism and promote positive wellbeing within the workplace.”
Business in the Community believe that other companies will be encouraged to also act as a responsible employer by offering employees a range of tools to manage health.
Deborah McConnell from Business in the Community added; “We are delighted that Firstsource are joining the programme and helping to promote health in the workplace.
“It is estimated that 3.64 million working hours’ worth of output are lost every year as a result of presenteeism and I in 10 employees admit to being in work with a hangover once a month.
“Using the workplace as a setting to educate and support employees around alcohol and other key health issues not only supports employees but is also of real business benefit to responsible employers.”
Tags: