GamCare, the UK’s leading charity organization that provides gambling counseling and support, has prompted employers to provide better corporate support for employees affected by problem gambling. The calls for such improved working conditions stand to reason, considering the much-anticipated UEFA EURO 2024 kicks off in just two days.
As the gambling support charity suggests, employees should have more avenues at their disposal to open up about issues associated with gambling. GamCare cited a recent YouGov research of more than 5,000 adults, uncovering that just 9% of respondents said their employer had gambling support policies in place for affected employees. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) shared their employees had accepted policies for dealing with mental health issues at the workplace, whereas 17% answered affirmatively for alcohol misuse, and 15% for drug misuse.
According to data from Public Health England, more than 1.6 million UK residents are struggling with problem gambling, necessitating more avenues at workplaces to help them share their issues and get directions to professional treatment.
When asked about who they would be comfortable confiding in, 28% chose their employees, 57% – their friends, and 42% – their family. As far as those impacted by someone else’s gambling are concerned, 35% said they would be confident to talk to an employer, 49% – to their family, and 60% – to their friends.
Samantha Turton, Head of Remote Support Services at GamCare, commented on the organization’s appeal. She explained that while alcohol and drug abuse could manifest easily recognizable signs, gambling addiction might not be so easy to spot. This has created the need for more avenues where affected employees can seek help and support, the expert explained. She added that “workplaces are a fantastic place where this can be done in a safe and supportive way.”
Furthermore, she mentioned that employers could follow the example set by GPs last year. More and more physicians inquired their patients about their gambling habits. Similarly, workplaces could provide a safe environment for individuals to find professional help.
GamCare Lists Five Steps Companies Can Take to Implement the Proposal
The charity organization has outlined five steps companies could take to implement the proposal and create the proper environment for their employees affected by problem gambling.
Firstly, businesses should adopt HR policies, underlining there are appropriate spaces to share gambling-related issues, similar to existing policies for substance abuse and mental health issues. Secondly, line managers should be adequately equipped with information on how to respond to such issues, including awareness of the National Gambling Helpline.
Furthermore, companies should create supportive networks that would be particularly helpful in removing the stigma of gambling. Employers are further advised to carefully consider the impact that internal competitions might have on their employees, as well as grand sporting events such as the Euro 2024 and the Grand National.
Last but not least, GamCare highlights the importance of distinguishing between individuals affected by gambling and ones affected by someone else’s gambling, and, respectively, catering to thei different support needs.
- Author
Daniel Williams
