Asepeyo, Fraternidad-Muprespa and MC MUTUAL analyze addictions in the work environment
Between 15% and 30% of workplace accidents are linked to alcohol or drug consumption, according to data from the International Labor Organization (ILO). Currently, new risks must be added, such as addictions derived from the use of new technologies, such as techno-addiction, techno-stress or techno-fatigue.
With the aim of analyzing the impact of addictions in the work environment, the +compromiso alliance has organized a conference in Madrid from a business culture approach that lays the foundations for the prevention of substance consumption and excessive use of technologies, threats that impact the health of employees, safety at work and the productivity of the company.
The day, moderated by Adrián Díaz-Caneja, PR and events coordinator of the consulting firm Affor Health, was inaugurated with the intervention of Elena Presencio, general director of the Proyecto Hombre Association, who highlighted that the workplace is a privileged environment when it comes to preventing addictions and promoting healthy lifestyles. Proyecto Hombre addresses workplace prevention in companies with plans focused on reducing the risk of substance use or addictive behaviors at work to create a healthier and safer environment.
Preventive, gender and personalized approach
In the first round table, 'The role of the company in the face of addictions at work and how to manage them', Ángela Todolí, senior associate of the Labor area at Cuatrecasas, pointed out that "a reactive-punitive vision of this issue still persists in our legal system that is not in line with the current consideration of such situations." In this sense, he has advocated changing the way companies manage this problem, prioritizing their management from the perspective of protecting the health of workers.
For their part, Prevention technicians from the three Mutual Insurance Companies have placed emphasis on a preventive approach to addictions, avoiding disciplinary issues, they have addressed substance consumption from a gender perspective, differentiating the social models associated with it, and they have warned of the health risks derived from the intensive use of technologies without adequate training, advocating for adapting jobs according to the individual capabilities of each employee to prevent problems such as technofatigue.
Business experiences in addiction management
The conference has also brought together representatives from various companies who have shared their experiences in managing addictions in the workplace.
Isabel Tapia, HSSEQ Manager at Oryx Iberia, has explained how her company has evolved in this aspect, going from carrying out specific alcohol checks to implementing a comprehensive policy that includes mandatory tests for all employees.
For his part, Carles Salas, head of Health and Safety at TUSGSAL, has addressed how substance consumption filters into companies, underlining the importance of awareness campaigns, continuous training and detection tests. "Signs such as tardiness or poor work performance can be indicative of addictions," he concluded.
María Pilar Campos, Manager of the Prevention Service at Telefónica Spain, explained that the company was a pioneer in the development and implementation of the Digital Disconnection program, which prioritizes the right of employees to disconnect from digital platforms outside of their working hours, something that they consider as a right, and not strictly as a legal obligation, and which is included in their collective agreement.He has also assured that “managing addictions at work requires a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, early detection, intervention and employee support.”
