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A new person started at work a month ago I don't work directly with him but in the same small building (and its small) he has his staff I have mine. Same employer different jobs !
A few weeks back he started coming into work and you could really smell alcohol on his breath...we all noticed it...and it keeps happening his moods are erratic and we have vulnerable adults in the building (learning difficulties)
Today I spoke with my direct boss and told him,now feeling guilty about it what if I'm wrong etc if its not booze just smelly breath ! Before anyone says why didn't I talk to him first I don't see why I should have that's why my boss earns big money and I don't !
Sorry not being more descriptive about my job rather not say.
Call me a flymo if you want I just see it as abuse of work !
You did the right thing, you can't have people drinking in the workplace
[i]Today I spoke with my direct boss and told him,now feeling guilty about it what if I'm wrong etc if its not booze just smelly breath ! Before anyone says why didn't I talk to him first I don't see why I should[/i]
From the above that is why it would have been better to have a word first. If he responded badly, told you to f off etc. then take it up with your boss because that's his job.
But a quite word IMO would have been better for all
You did the right thing, I think. You appear to have acted within the scope of your responsibility and then handed over to somebody who can actually take action (if necessary).
It's a potential safeguarding issue and you were 100% right to speak to your boss.
thing is though if it is just smelly breath then it's going to cause a few problems when Boss has a word with him.
I think you did the right thing especially if your working with vulnerable people, I would hate to think anyone who worked with my son who has learning difficulties was under the influence of alcohol, I would not be happy, don't feel guilty someone has to take responsibility and you have told your boss, his problem now.
i think what you did was the sensible thing to do.
but if it turns out to be bad breath............tell him he has that too....... 😉
you can't have people drinking in the workplace
I used to work in a place that had a bar that was open at lunchtimes. It was all right though because we just blew things up.
OP you did exactly the right thing.
I've had similar issues with fellow employees. You have done the right thing. Hope you have good managers as I've seen things flagged then not dealt with and serious situations arising down the line.
+1 doing the right thing.
Mancjon, i kinda understand the problems that may arise if it's just innocent stinky beer breath.
However the op say's the breath smells of alcohol, that's suggests it's been consumed recently, that and his apparent behaviour.
It's not down to the OP to tell the guy, if he thinks the guys responsibility for the welfare of his patients, then it's down to someone of authority to assess the situation. IMHO.
Diabetic maybe?
I think you were probably right to tell your boss, but I think i'd have been inclined to speak to the guy first. Maybe 🙂
One of those pop out springy snake things disguised as a can of special brew would have been more fun.
Now all your workmates know you are a grass and will ostracise you, the pain will drive you to drink until another busy body grasses you to management, then the cycle is complete.
[i]It's not down to the OP to tell the guy, if he thinks the guys responsibility for the welfare of his patients, then it's down to someone of authority to assess the situation. IMHO. [/i]
I agree with everyone else that something needs to be done ie. not bury head in sand. But if the Boss is not too diplomatic ie. "such and such says you are drunk all the time etc.." and it turns out not to be the case then it's basically just creating bad feeling.
A lot does depend on Boss and i wasn't suggesting OP should reprimand the guy but a quiet word with him first could have been better IMO. especially if it is such as small workplace.
Still as long as it gets sorted....
This is easy.
If he's a bit smelly is different to being drunk at work. However, that's irrelevant.
Bringing it to your boss's attention isn't "dobbing him in," it's shifting the accountability. Your boss can appraise the situation and act accordingly; if it's a problem, or not, it's up to him. Either way you have a clean conscience.
OP has done the right thing. IMO not appropriate to 'have a quiet word' due to the type of work and the fact the guy has only been there a month.
Erratic moods and a possible alcohol problem are not a good combination at the best of times, never mind when working with vulnerable adults.
Never compromise with this stuff. I've been a colleague and senior manager in this position. You can't feel compromised and management have to ensure ultimate safety. There are no grey areas. If there i even the perception of an issue it has to be dealt with. You have to have confidence in your work mates.