People with gambling addiction have an 89 percent higher risk of being on long-term sick leave

Research from Karolinska Institutet shows that gambling addiction can increase the risk of long-term sick leave. The study, which was published in Psychological Medicine, concluded that individuals with gambling addiction run an 89 percent higher risk of being on long-term sick leave compared to individuals without a gambling addiction. 

Gambling problems result in negative consequences both for the individuals, their loved ones and for society at large – including employers. 

Long-term sick leave is not only a problem for the employer. Being able to work is also important for the individual’s mental and financial recovery, says the study’s first author Viktor Månsson.

As an employer, there are good reasons to identify early signs of gambling problems to be able to provide individuals with support and treatment as early as possible.

Jakob Jonsson is a clinical psychologist at Sustainable Care and is also affiliated with Karolinska Institutet, where he researches gambling problems and how to prevent them.

Find his tips for preventing and dealing with gambling problems in the workplace below.

Jakob Jonsson

How to prevent and deal with gambling problems as an employer

• Make sure that there is a policy regulating gambling in the workplace and during working hours, just like many already do with alcohol.

• Discuss gambling during employee wellbeing conversations.  

• Educate relevant employees about signs of gambling problems and about available resources for support and treatment. 

• Seek assistance to make a qualified assessment and treatment plan. 

• Ensure that there is a rehabilitation plan in place.