The FCCG's problem gambling program for the workplace empowers employers to implement site specific protocols and to aid persons in need of assistance.
Many employers do not consider compulsive gambling a troubling employee issue primarily because most managers are not trained to recognize the warning signs of a gambling addiction. In fact, managers and corporate executives are often surprised to discover how prevalent problem gamblers are in the workplace. Nearly 25% of individuals who call the FCCG HelpLine claim their gambling problem negatively impacts upon their job or work performance. Undiscovered and untreated, a gambling problem can eventually turn a valuable employee into a liability, or worse, a thief or embezzler.
The FCCG has distributed its Managing the Odds initiative – a Problem Gambling Problem for the Workplace. The Program enables employers of all sizes to implement an awareness program within the organization without requiring extensive knowledge or time. This program assists employers in establishing health and welfare policy statements to include language relating to compulsive gambling, in addition to alcohol and substance abuse, and assists businesses in promoting a "gambling free" workplace (e.g. policies to disallow company time playing cards, running office pools or numbers, or using the Internet for betting purposes). Moreover, such programs provide for management and employee training, outline the need for corporate-specific protocols for documenting gambling problems in the workplace, and the importance of establishing employee assistance supports for personnel in need of services. The FCCG is also available to assist in conducting training should this be necessary.
The Managing the Odds program provides an introductory brochure, which features program highlights, warning signs, and strategies for what employers can do, as well as Employee Assistance Professionals to help someone with a gambling problem. For more information about our corporate training program, call our HelpLine (888-ADMIT-IT) or email us.
