Safe and healthy workplaces: understanding the role of stress in substance use
Australia has the second-highest levels of workplace stress in the world, according to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 report.
When stress is persistent and unmanaged, it can take a significant toll on individuals, teams and entire organisations. One often overlooked consequence of chronic stress is its link to increased substance use. Some employees may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, escape or self-medicate, which in a workplace context can lead to serious safety, performance and legal risks. “Nearly 90% of the workforce were recent drinkers and half these workers drank at levels associated with risk of harm…”
Creating safe and healthy workplaces means not only setting clear expectations around substance use but also addressing the root causes, including workplace stress. By understanding this connection, leaders can create safer environments and support healthier teams, backed by robust testing and education strategies.
The link between stress and substance use
Stress triggers powerful physiological and psychological responses. When experienced over time, these responses can increase vulnerability to substance use and misuse. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, impacts the brain’s reward pathways, and can lead individuals to seek temporary relief through substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants or prescription drugs.
Workplace factors can intensify this risk. High-pressure environments, long shifts, tight deadlines, unpredictable rosters, job insecurity and lack of support can all contribute to chronic stress. Black Dog Institute reports that work pressure (31%), work-related harassment and/or bullying (27%) and workplace violence (14%) are the main reasons for workplace stress.
Chronic workplace stress leads to increased psychological and physical health problems, including anxiety and mood-related issues, as the Australian Psychological Society states.
People experiencing high psychological distress are significantly more likely to engage in risky alcohol and drug use. 2022–2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that people with mental illness are more likely to drink alcohol at risky levels and 1.8 times as likely to use any illicit drug.
For employers, this makes it a workplace health and safety issue.
Why substance use and work don’t mix
Substance use can impair judgement, slow reaction times, reduce concentration and affect decision-making which are all critical factors in maintaining workplace safety. In safety-sensitive industries like transport, logistics, manufacturing, construction and healthcare, impairment can increase the risk of serious incidents, injuries or fatalities.
Under Australian WHS legislation, employers have legal responsibilities to maintain a safe working environment. Employees must not be impaired by drugs or alcohol at work, and employers must actively manage risks to health and safety.
Unaddressed substance use at or connected to work can lead to higher rates of absenteeism, reduced productivity, interpersonal conflict, legal liability, reputational damage and increased workers’ compensation claims.
It’s up to the leaders
While employees are ultimately responsible for their own choices, workplace leaders play a critical role in shaping the environment that influences those choices. Proactive stress management and positive wellbeing in the workplace can reduce the likelihood of employees turning to harmful coping strategies such as substance use.
Establishing safe and healthy workplaces means setting clear expectations and boundaries around substance use and backing these up with prevention and testing programs. And of course a clear workplace policy.
Leaders have a powerful opportunity to influence this dynamic. By managing stress effectively, setting clear expectations and implementing robust drug and alcohol testing programs, they can create safe and healthy workplaces where employees feel supported and risks are reduced.