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It's all work and all play: 62% of boozing Brits say no to a day off
London - 27 April 2006 - Despite a culture of binge drinking and a reputation for drinking European counterparts under the table, British workers play hard and work hard, with 62% refusing to pull a sickie after a night out on the tiles. In fact, a survey from Monster shows that just over a third of Brits have ever taken time off work because of a hangover.
A Monster Meter poll recently asked, "Have you ever taken a day off because of a hangover?" 3,359 respondents voted:
49% (1619 votes) - No, I always come to work however hungover I am
24% (814 votes) - Yes, several times
14% (486 votes) - Yes, but only once
13% (440 votes) - No, I think my colleagues/boss would find out
Even with such an open attitude towards social drinking, emergence of the "ladette culture" and last year's change in licensing laws, British workers still take the line that when there's a job to do, don't let a hangover get in the way.
Chris Evans and Pete Doherty have infamously turned up for work slightly worse for wear. While these levels of excessiveness are not standard behaviour for everyone, in general the majority of Brits choose to work through their hangover rather than to sleep it off.
So what's getting Brits out of bed and into the office? A hard-working ethos and increasingly competitive workplace may be attributable. In addition, more businesses are offering financial incentives to encourage people to turn up for work, according to the Cass Business School. The Government has also called on businesses to invest more time and money in preventing ill health at work.
The Royal Mail's scheme, launched last August, offered staff the chance to win a car if they did not take any sick leave in six months. Attendance levels rose, with the equivalent of 1,000 more staff at work daily.
Sick pay currently costs the industry about £32billion a year, according to the Cass Business School, with £4billion purely based on absenteeism figures alone. While it is imperative for employers to identify the root cause of staff absenteeism, steps should also be taken to recognise staff with a good attendance record.
"With the arrival of spring and evenings staying lighter for longer, we believe people will be out socialising even more," explains Alan Townsend, COO for Monster UK & Ireland. "Employers need to look at the culture within their own business and get the balance right. At Monster we encourage our employees to work hard and play hard ensuring appreciation for excellent performance."
Monster's top tips - How to work through your hangover
DO
Tackle big tasks and the most important jobs first
Drink plenty of water
Keep your head down - work quietly to conserve your energy
Remember your manners - be polite and courteous, no matter how rough you feel
DON'T
Wear sunglasses in the office
Boast about your drinking escapades
Fall asleep at your desk
Email the entire company asking for aspirin
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For Payroll and Human Resource Professionals
