Data source: CAN’s population survey Habits and consequences
Sample: approximately 8,000 working people in Sweden
In the focus report “Profession and alcohol”, CAN analyses how alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems vary between different professional groups in Sweden. The analysis is based on the national survey Habits and consequences, in which just over 8,000 professionals answered questions about their profession and their drinking habits.
The aim is to better understand whether and how working life affects drinking habits and the risk of alcohol-related problems.
Managers drink the most
One of the report’s clearest results is that managerial occupations rank highest when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Both female and male managers drink more than many other professional groups, and binge drinking is particularly common among men. Female managers also have relatively high rates of alcohol dependence.
Differences between professions – but limited impact
The report shows that occupation has some significance for alcohol habits, but that it only explains some of the differences in consumption and addiction symptoms.
Differences between occupational groups are also influenced by factors such as:
- gender distribution in the profession
- age structure
- work environment and working conditions
For example, high workload and stress can contribute to higher alcohol consumption in certain professions, while social norms and alcohol culture in the workplace also play a role.
Occupations where risky consumption is more common
Previous studies and analyses in the report show that certain professional groups more often exhibit risky alcohol consumption.
Examples of such groups are:
- restaurant professions (e.g. waiters, bartenders and head waiters)
- people in advertising and marketing
- certain construction and craft professions
Even in managerial roles, risky consumption is somewhat more common than in many other professions.
Work environment and alcohol culture play a role
The report also highlights that workplace culture and working conditions can influence drinking habits.
In some industries, for example, after-work, representation or client dinners are a natural part of the job, which can contribute to higher consumption. At the same time, professions with high stress or low control over work tasks can also be linked to an increased risk of alcohol-related problems.
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Fördelar
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Customer story
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