Workplace Hours and Shifts Linked to Drinking Risks, but Personal Factors Weigh Heavier
Australian researchers have uncovered a surprising truth: while workplace stress is often blamed for drinking problems, personal and social factors may play a far greater role in high-risk alcohol consumption.
The study analyzed data from over 26,000 employed Australians over two decades using the HILDA survey. Working more than 40 hours weekly was linked to higher odds of harmful drinking levels, while shift workers were more likely to engage in single-occasion high-risk drinking.
Young workers (18-29) were nearly eight times more likely to binge drink than older colleagues, and smokers were nearly three times more likely to drink at high-risk levels.
Dr. Gianluca Di Censo said:
"We often think of workplace stress as one of the main drivers of excessive drinking, but our research shows that sociodemographic and health factors are even more important."
Dr. Kirrilly Thompson added:
"Workplaces can't ignore this issue. Long hours and shift work are linked to harmful drinking patterns..."
The study notes 'associations rather than cause-and-effect relationships' in its findings. No independent expert commentary was included in the source.
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