Investigating the relationship between experienced workplace incivility and the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs amongst equity-deserving employees

Frances Jorgensen was awarded funding through a SSHRC grant to examine the usage of alcohol and drugs to cope with instances of workplace incivility among equity-deserving employees.

We aim to conduct a pilot study investigating links between equity-deserving employees’ experiences with workplace incivility and alcohol and drug use. In a previous qualitative study on the impact of presenteeism on employees’ mental wellbeing, data were uncovered that suggested that some groups of individuals are more likely to use alcohol and drugs to cope with instances of workplace incivility than their counterparts (i.e., white male). To further investigate, an anonymous quantitative survey will be developed and administered. Findings will serve as the foundation for a larger-scale study that will include implications for theory and practice.