Workplace Gambling: Information for Employers |
Workplace Gambling Awareness Workshop
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For most people, gambling can be a relatively harmless pastime, which can get 'switched on' at certain times of the year (Grand Nationals, World Cups, etc.) and then gets safely put back in its box at the end of the event. Normal Service Resumes. However, for a small, but rapidly growing percentage of people, gambling is becoming an unhealthy obsession.
For employers, this can be complex area. On the one hand, workplace 'pools' and other gambling activities around major sporting events can help to improve workplace cohesion and boost morale. On the other hand, productivity may dip during these events and staff members with gambling problems (either actively gambling or in recovery) can be exposed to increased risks of harm. A recent survey, looking at remote working found that 25% of remote workers in Ireland, UK, US, Germany and France are using work devices for gambling or gaming. In the UK, a recent report by employment services provider, Reed in Partnership, found that “one in ten adults have direct experience of the problems gambling can cause in the workplace, as they know someone for whom gambling has negatively affected their work”. Other findings in the report included 72% of adults thinking that “business should be concerned about gambling, with the biggest concern expressed by those who work in financial services” and 82% of adults thinking that “gambling and debt can be a distraction for people in work”. Another UK Study (BDO Fraudtrack Report) found that 12.5% of all reported fraud committed in the UK in 2015 was gambling-related. This equates to £225 million. How to tell if your employee has a gambling issue (From the Australian HR Institute) Problem gambling can impact a range of areas of work. Here are some of the warning signs that your employee might need help: 1. Time
If you are concerned about gambling in your workplace, contact Barry on 089 241 5401 or email info[at]problemgambling.ie. |
Our Workplace Gambling Workshops are facilitated by Tony O'Reilly, addiction counsellor and co-author of the book 'Tony10' - which tells the story of Tony's experience of gambling addiction, including the theft of €1.75 million in cash, from his employers (An Post). Tony is a regular guest on national and local radio, raising awareness of gambling-related harm in Ireland. Tony has delivered training, talks and workshops to a wide variety of organisations, including: Secondary Schools, Colleges, Workplaces and Sports Clubs.
Workplace gambling can have a devastating affect on the individual(s) in question, as well as creating serious reputational damage for the organisation. The service operates on a donation-based model. No donation is too small. We do not want limited finances to be an obstacle to individuals and organisations getting help. (For organisations that would prefer to be invoiced, we can also provide that service.) Programmes available include:
If you are concerned about gambling in your workplace, contact Barry on 089 241 5401 or email info[at]problemgambling.ie. All of our commercial activities are subject to our Oversubscription Policy & Policy Regarding Beneficiaries Who Cannot Afford to Pay Some gambling-related fraud cases in the papers since January 2018 |