Workplaces and Substance Use: Exploring Gender-Related Factors

Provides key context and data for employers and other organizations such as unions, associations and health professionals, on substance use and gender in the workplace. Outlines substance use among workers and managers, including how gender shapes these experiences and the different workplace risks each face. Offers recommendations to strengthen protective factors and improve worker well-being, safety and productivity. This brief is part of the Workplaces and Substance Use series.

Three key points of interest in the document:

• About one in six (17%) women reported using alcohol or other drugs within two hours before or during work or being hungover, intoxicated or high while at work in the past year. In comparison, about one in four (23%) men reported similar behaviours.
• Among workers who reported using a substance at least once at work, about a third (35%) of women and half (56%) of men reported hiding their use. One in four (25%) women said they worried about losing their job or being suspended, compared with nearly half of men (48%).
• Women reported feeling pressure to use substances to fit in, be considered for promotions or avoid speculation about their health or bodies. Among men, masculinity norms, such as “suffering in silence” or being seen as “weak” for seeking help, were also identified as risk factors.