GamCare Urges Employers to Support Staff During Euro 2024

GamCare is urging companies to establish safe places where staff members may talk about gambling addiction and get the help they need as Euro 2024 draws near. The group stresses the value of workplace campaigns to address gambling-related problems, particularly while big athletic events are taking place.

Samantha Turton, head of remote support services at GamCare, highlights the need for workplaces to provide avenues for at-risk individuals to seek help. “Last year we saw steps for more GPs to ask questions from patients around gambling, which is an important step forward,” Turton said. “We believe workplaces could be the next place to create more awareness about gambling and could be a win-win for organisations and staff, with people feeling more supported and engaged at work, and organizations benefitting from a happier, healthier workforce.”

Turton also noted that addressing gambling addiction in the workplace could prevent gambling-related crimes, protecting both employees and businesses.

GamCare’s Five-Step Policy

To support staff and encourage discussion on gambling harms, GamCare has outlined a five-step plan for employers:

1. Implement HR Policies: Employers should establish policies that provide clear guidelines for disclosing gambling addiction. These should be similar to existing policies on drugs, alcohol, or mental health issues.
2. Train Line Managers: Managers should receive training to support staff affected by gambling issues. They can direct employees to support services like the National Gambling Helpline.
3. Create Internal Support Networks: Employers should foster internal networks to reduce the stigma around gambling harms. Increased education on the topic can help create a supportive environment.
4. Exercise Caution with Sweepstakes: With the Euros coming up, employers should be careful when organizing sweepstakes, as these can be particularly problematic during key sporting events.
5. Recognize Wider Impact: Employers must be aware that gambling harms can extend beyond the individual gambler. Friends and family members may also be affected and require different forms of support.

By adopting these measures, workplaces can play a crucial role in supporting employees and mitigating the impact of gambling addiction.