Workplace Gambling Workshops

Workplace Gambling: Information for Employers

Workplace Gambling Workshops

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.

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

Arriving late to work/leaving work early or taking long lunch hours
Unexplained disappearances or increased absenteeism
Unusual or predictable sick leave pattern
Gambling on company time (work computer, mobile, telephone)

2. Productivity

Irritability, poor concentration, moodiness
Inattentive
Changes in productivity/work not completed
Misuse/excessive use of work telephone or internet

3. Financial

Borrowing money from colleagues
Employer constantly approached for salary advances
Repeated credit loans/owes money to loan sharks/called at work by companies chasing payment
Constantly volunteering for overtime/additional shifts to cover debts/pay for living expenses/gamble

4. Criminal

Stealing money/goods from work colleagues
Fraudulent expense claims – embezzlement

5. Other

Rarely takes holidays so backfill to cover their job isn’t required (illegal financial activity might be uncovered)
Form guides/sporting newspapers on work desk or constantly on betting websites

How to discuss it: Discussing something like this can be hard and confronting for the employee. However, if you follow these steps, you’re more likely to have a positive outcome.

Normalise the conversation by acknowledging that sometimes having a difficult conversation is necessary in the workplace.
Express facts, thoughts, feelings and beliefs without placing blame.
Focus on “I” rather than “you” statements.
Listen actively to what the employee has to say by paraphrasing and summarising.
Be understanding – acknowledge the emotions present.
Plan your responses beforehand based on how the employee is likely to react.

The consequences of ignoring workplace gambling can be significant for both your workplace and your staff. Make sure to nip the issue in the bud.

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 Barry Grant, addiction counsellor, CEO and Founder of Problem Gambling Ireland. Barry is a regular guest on national and local radio, raising awareness of gambling-related harm in Ireland. Barry has delivered training, talks and workshops to organisations, including: HSE, Dublin Simon Community, GAA clubs, Union of Students in Ireland, The Irish College of General Practitioners and Secondary Schools.

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:

45-60 minute lunchtime talk (designed for all staff members}. Objectives of the workshop are to:
- Increase knowledge regarding the risks associated with gambling.
- Increase knowledge of support services available to people with gambling problems and their families.
- Help reduce the risk of gambling-related fraud and other forms of harm associated with problem gambling.
- Destigmatise the issue and increase help-seeking.
3 hour workshop for HR, Line Managers and other relevant staff members. The objectives of the workshop are to:
- Increase knowledge regarding the risks associated with workplace gambling
- Improve employers’ ability to identify problematic gambling behaviours in the workplace
- Support employers in the development of robust workplace gambling policies
- Empower employers to support staff members who have gambling problems
- Help reduce the risk of gambling-related fraud

If you are concerned about gambling in your workplace, contact Barry on 089 241 5401 or email info[at]problemgambling.ie.

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