Last updated : November 25, 2024
Employees may feel that drinking alcohol on their break is acceptable. In all actuality, they do not understand the damage that they may be causing to themselves, co-workers, employers and clients. Some employees may have the misconception that their self control leads their habits and that they can function at a usual and standard level. However, the state of Georgia does not take too lightly to this conduct and have laws in place to protect others from this type of insubordination. Drug testing is mandatory through probation if suspicion and findings are found guilty.
In reality, co-workers lead to more findings of employees drinking on their break time than any other source. Employers should satisfy the need to conduct background checks during their hiring process and require routine drug testing to protect all employees. This responsibility ensures safety in a workplace. Telling your leader of a suspicious act or wrongful doing should never jeopardize one’s job.Many employees that do drink on their break come from jobs such as bus drivers, teachers, and daycare centers. They also have the potential to be the same employee drinking on the job too and endangering others. These employees care for precious cargo and must ensure their responsibilities in order for kids to be safe. Even though drug testing and background checks are required for these positions, it’s not always followed through by hired employees when they are off the time clock. Impaired driving or handling of situations may cause severe damage and even death to children. This holds more meaning for co-workers to let a leader know when they may have suspicions. Educating teachers may not be able to actually teach or follow through with the guidelines that are set forth for pupils to learn and be successful.Employers typically take pride in knowing their workplace is safe and has a stable environment. The majorities of companies today have a drinking policy and require mandatory drug testing. It is unacceptable for an employee drinking on their break time to be permitted to the same benefits and rewards as employees that do not take advantage of their jobs. An insubordinate employee that is found guilty of these acts may lose their entire benefits package, have a bad background check when trying to get hired elsewhere, and may pay steep fines and penalties for their actions.The Georgia DOT makes a clean effort to put an end to this action. The fines can range from $300 to $1000 depending on one’s background. Typically community service is requires for a range of 40 to 200 hours. Suspension of one’s driver’s license may be revoked. Jail time may be required if found over the legal limit of a blood alcohol content test set forth by Georgia drug check routines.
Danger from employees drinking on their break can be severe and lead to worse scenarios. Not reporting these acts will certainly place a co-worker in more danger and emotional turmoil filled with guilt when accidents strike. If you or another employee find yourself in settings with employees drinking on the job or on break, seek help before it is too late. An employer would rather help an employee prevent accidents rather than fight a legal battle against an employee. Understanding the reasoning behind drinking on at break times may be the way a co-worker tries to help. There could be one day that an employee break becomes a break from society altogether while taking others with them just for knowing and not telling. Be smart, report any employees drinking on their break to a leader.
