Drugs & Alcohol Awareness for Managers

This Drugs & Alcohol Awareness for Managers eLearning course equips supervisors and managers with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise, respond to and manage drug and alcohol-related issues in the workplace. The course explains how substance misuse can affect performance, behaviour, safety and wellbeing, outlines organisational and legal expectations for managers, and provides practical guidance on supporting employees, handling sensitive conversations and implementing effective workplace policies. It promotes a proactive approach that balances employee support with maintaining a safe, productive and compliant work environment.

Course Aims

The primary aims of the Drugs & Alcohol Awareness for Managers course are to:

• Explain the effects of drugs and alcohol on individual behaviour, performance and workplace safety
• Raise awareness of how substance misuse can impact teams and organisational outcomes
• Clarify managerial responsibilities under organisational policy and legal expectations related to drug and alcohol in the workplace
• Provide guidance on recognising signs of impairment and managing conversations with employees effectively and sensitively
• Encourage consistent decision-making and supportive practices that help maintain a safe and healthy workplace culture

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this 30-minute course, learners will be able to:

• Understand how substance misuse affects behaviour, performance and safety in a work context
• Recognise the signs and indicators of drug and alcohol impairment among staff
• Explain managerial responsibilities for enforcing policy, supporting employees and complying with legal requirements
• Apply appropriate strategies for initiating and managing difficult conversations about drug and alcohol concerns
• Implement effective support, monitoring and reporting practices to help create a safer, healthier workplace