COULD YOUR EMPLOYEE’S PROBLEM TURN INTO YOUR PROBLEM?
Many companies have a gambling problem in their midst, and it is often invisible to everyone except the one with the problem. The problems that arise from gambling are many and can hurt the bottom line of a company in many different ways- lost productivity, animosity between employees and a very real threat of embezzlement for the purpose of feeding a gambling addiction.
How do you spot a gambler in your employ? While there can certainly be other reasons for the behaviours listed below, they can be indicators of a gambling problem:
• Unexplained illness
• Taking long lunch hours, often
• Leaving work early
• Spending time on the phone for long
periods of time (when it’s not a part of the job)
• Regularly borrowing money from fellow employees in between paydays
With 12 years of experience in this area, I can confidently say that no company is immune to having a gambler on their payroll. The easy accessibility of machine gambling is one of the key factors contributing to the high incidence of people addicted to the machines. You only have to visit a bar or restaurant that has Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) over lunch hour to discover the number of people involved with the machines.
The dilemma is forced on the employer through no fault of their own but the consequences, while potentially devastating to the employee, can cause serious problems for the workplace. Since gambling is not going to be taken away from the gamblers, the only answer is to take the gamblers away from the gambling. This may sound like a hard thing to do, but if done properly and with the right supports in place (including in the workplace), it can happen. If your company has an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), you can help by letting your employees know if counseling services are covered by the plan. Even the simple act of posting the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-888-347-8888, 24 hours a day) on the company’s noticeboard may prompt the gambler in your midst to take the first step toward taking back control of their life.
Submitted by Bernie Walsh, Problem Gambling Specialist. You can reach Bernie at vltseminars@ns.sympatico.ca or by calling 240-4965 or 443-8050.
