Almost two thirds1 (64%) of UK workers report drinking alcohol for work-related reasons, with job stress, pressure and anxiety behind increased consumption in the past 12 months, according to new research by Alcohol Change UK.

• Job stress, anxiety, pressure and insecurity driving up work-related alcohol use in the past year
• Over a third (36%) of workers agree they feel more comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace than alcohol
• More than 8 in 10 (83%) workers believe employers have some responsibility to address alcohol in the workplace

Released to mark the start of Alcohol Awareness Week (7-13 July 2025) - run annually by Alcohol Change UK - which this year focuses on the relationship between alcohol and work, the survey of more than 2,000 employed UK respondents explored how our working experiences may be influencing our drinking habits and the ways in which alcohol consumption may be impacting our work. The findings also point to strong appetite among employees for preventative action and education around alcohol at work, with a large majority recognising the role that employers play in improving staff health and wellbeing.

In the past 12 months, among those who report drinking alcohol for work-related reasons:

• Four in 10 (40%) drank more alcohol due to work-related anxiety
• Almost four in 10 (38%) drank more alcohol to cope with stress at work
• Over a third (36%) drank more alcohol because of pressure or deadlines at work
• Almost three in 10 (29%) report increased alcohol consumption due to job insecurity..