Supporting workmates
You might want to reach out as a friend, but you’re in a unique position. If you spot the warning signs at work, you can help in other ways before your workmate places their job at risk.
Check out your workplace’s gambling policy
Make sure you know what your workplace’s gambling policy is if it has one. It will help you understand your obligations as an employee, and when you need to speak up.
It will also let you know what gambling is okay in the workplace and what’s not. For example, footy tipping and Melbourne Cup sweepstakes can be great for morale, but using workplace equipment to access online gambling sites would not be permitted.
Talk to your supervisor or HR
If you think that your colleague’s gambling is affecting their productivity, the team has to pick up the slack and cover for them, or their mental state has changed, or you suspect they’re misusing funds, it’s definitely an issue for someone higher up. Your employer has a duty of care to you and to your colleague, and they need to know. Approach your supervisor, HR team, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or GambleAware provider for advice on who may be the best person to have the conversation.
Recognise the warning signs
You might start to worry about your workmate if they start turning up late for work or leaving early, playing the pokies at lunchtime or taking a lot of days off. They might start asking to borrow cash. You might find yourself under extra pressure to complete team projects. When you put the warning signs together, you might see a pattern.
I work with them, but they’re still my friend
If your workmate’s also your friend and you don’t like to see what gambling is doing to their life, maybe there are ways to support them more directly.
Support for everyone in the workplace
Remember – GambleAware is here to support anyone impacted by gambling, and that includes you. Contact us if you need more support or advice on how to approach the issue of gambling in your workplace.
