1. Gambling among employees in Swedish workplaces : A cross-sectional study
- Author
-
Rafi, Jonas, Lindfors, Petra, Carlbring, Per, Rafi, Jonas, Lindfors, Petra, and Carlbring, Per
- Abstract
Objectives: Responsible workplaces strive to minimize the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse. However, gambling is still a neglected area in workplace research. This study describes workplace gambling and investigates variables associated with at-risk problem gambling and knowing about colleagues who gambles during work, using cross-sectional data from a large cluster-randomized controlled trial on gambling prevention in the workplace (N=3629). Methods: Measures included prevalence of workplace gambling policies, at-risk and problem gambling, and knowledge about colleagues who gamble during work. Results: Of the respondents, 168 (4.7%) knew of someone who gambles at work, of whom 29 (17.3%) also worried about the harmful consequences of workplace gambling. Moreover, 395 (11.2%) believed that a gambling policy existed in their workplace. Knowing about a colleague who gambles during work was more common among employees who were men (OR = 2.98), aged 16–34 (OR = 1.97), knew about a gambling policy (OR = 1.57), and who themselves were classified as at-risk problem gamblers (OR = 2.95). Similarly, being classified as an at-risk problem gambler was significantly associated with being male (OR = 2.14), aged 16–34 (OR = 2.35) or 35–44 (OR=2.36), being a subordinate (OR = 2.53), and knowing about a colleague who gambles during work (OR=4). Conclusions: Gambling during work is a prevalent phenomenon. Organizations should consider implementing gambling policies that facilitate helping workers who are problem gamblers. To determine policy contents and measures to implement, the type of gambling and its effect on employees should be explored., This study was funded by the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF