Bottoms up before the 5 o'clock whistle.

• Position: Workforce; alcohol use - Brief article

Workplace alcohol use and impairment directly affects an estimated 15% of the U.S. labor force or 19,200,000 individuals, according to a study conducted at the Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo (N.Y.).

The study estimates that 2,300,000 workers have consumed alcohol at least once before coming to work and 8,900,000 have imbibed at least once during the workday. Most of those who drink during the workday do so at lunch, though some indulge while on the job or during other breaks.

Michael Frone, research associate professor in the Department of Psychology, estimates that 2,100,000 people worked under the influence of alcohol and 11,600,000 individuals did so with a hangover.

Workplace alcohol use and impairment is more prevalent among men than women, and working under the influence or with a hangover is more common among younger workers compared to older ones and among unmarried workers compared to those married.

Among the broad occupation groups showing the highest rates of workplace alcohol use and impairment are management; sales; arts, entertainment, and...