Studies investigating alcohol consumption among employees suggest that between 10 to 35 percent can be characterised as risky drinkers. Studies have documented that alcohol consumption is associated with (sickness) absence. Additionally, several studies indicate that the use of alcohol may result in reduced on-the-job productivity (presenteeism). As the majority of the adult population is employed, the workplace is a beneficial place to engage in prevention, early detection and treatment of alcohol problems. Early identification and secondary prevention of alcohol problems, using screening followed by brief intervention, have been advocated to reduce alcohol consumption. The occupational health services may be an important contributor in preventing alcohol-related sick leave and presenteeism.
The WIRUS-project aims to reach those drinking more alcohol than World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, without being severely dependent, often labelled risky drinkers. Five project packages will together contribute to new knowledge that aims to enable nationwide implementation of interventions targeting employees' risky drinking.
(1) A systematic review of the international research literature on associations between employees' alcohol consumption and sick leave/sickness presenteeism.
(2) A randomised controlled trial (RCT). Approximately 10.000 Norwegian employees across different companies, branches, sectors and work groups will be screened using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT, developed by WHO) in order to identify risky drinkers. A baseline study will be conducted, and risky drinkers will be randomised into three conditions: (a) motivational interviews, (b) an internet-based intervention, or (c) control. A six-month follow-up study will be conducted. Alcohol consumption and sick leave constitute primary outcome measures.
(3) A workplace social norms study that aims to reveal the impact of drinking social norms in the workplace. Work-related situations in which employees are exposed to alcohol will be identified, explored and compared, across companies, branches, sectors and work groups.
(4) A cost-benefit study to determine the cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness of workplace-based interventions for risky drinkers.
(5) An implementation study consisting of: (a) a process evaluation following the RCT, (b) a mixed-methods study mapping the current praxis within the occupational health services and possible barriers against successful implementation, (c) development of an online course for occupational health services personnel, and (d) a follow-up study to evaluate the impact of the online course.
