Why We Must Stop Whispering About Workplace Addiction

Introduction

Addiction in the workplace is a subject no one wants to talk about. It makes people uncomfortable. It carries stigma.

Yet, in most organisations, it’s still treated as something to sweep under the carpet.

But silence is dangerous.

Bupa’s research makes that clear:

• 57% of employees admit they’ve struggled with harmful habits.

• 34% say they’ve seen it play out during work hours.

• Almost half admit workplace stress drives these behaviours.

Yet more than half would rather hide their struggles than ask for help.

The Human Cost of Silence

Behind every statistic is a colleague trying to cope.

Managers who suspect a problem but don’t act.

Businesses that pretend it isn’t happening.

I’ve seen this first-hand in countless organisations. The end result? Problems escalate until it’s too late.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about safety or compliance.

It’s about people’s careers, wellbeing, and lives.

Treating dependency purely as a disciplinary issue destroys trust.

Treating it as a health issue opens the door to recovery.

What Employers Can Do

If you’re leading people, here’s how to make a difference:

• Acknowledge the reality – accept that dependency exists in every industry.

• Change your culture – encourage open, stigma-free conversations.

• Train your leaders – make sure managers know how to respond.

• Offer support, not shame – make counselling, helplines, or external services visible and accessible.

Conclusion

The taboo around workplace addiction has to end.

Through the Better Testing approach, I advocate for support over punishment, because failure shouldn’t mean being fired.

I

t should mean being given the help to recover and return stronger.

The workplaces that recognise this are the ones that will thrive, not just on paper, but in people.