RESEARCHERS FIND PROBLEMS WITH CASUAL DRINKERS

Health researchers say they have uncovered a hidden source of productivity
problems for American corporations: casual drinkers.

A survey of 14,000 employees at seven major U.S. companies found that
workers who aren't considered problem drinkers cause, in aggregate, far more
incidents of absenteeism, tardiness and poor quality of work than those
regarded as alcohol-dependent. The findings suggest that seemingly innocuous
events such as an after-work trip to the bar or a family birthday party can
add up to a significant drag on productivity.

"This research is a wake-up call," said Bruce Davidson, manager of employee
assistance and work-life programs at Compaq Computer Corp.'s Digital
Equipment Corp. unit, which wasn't a participant in the study. He notes that
while employers have made significant investments to deal with chronic
alcohol problems, they have paid scant attention to the potential impact of
alcohol use among a broader segment of the workforce.

Checked-by: Rolf Ernst