British study of public-sector staff in London find women executives three times more likely than females in lower ranks to abuse alcohol
Women in senior ranks are more likely to have a problem with alcohol than their male counterparts, according to new research out of the United Kingdom.
A study of 8,000 civil servants in London found that drinking habits among women change according to professional status, with senior executives three times as likely to drink excessively as clerical workers.
The proportion of men abusing alcohol was relatively constant, at 10 to 12 per cent, from front-line staff right up to executives. But the figure rose to 14 per cent for females bosses, significantly higher than four per cent for women in the lower ranks.
The study was conducted by the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London. Jenny Head, who led the study, said “the findings clearly indicate that for women, the higher you go up the ladder, the more likely you are to drink heavily.”
Researchers speculated the higher level of alcohol abuse among women executives might have something to do with frustrations on the job. They said many do not have a strong support network of family and friends, something that allows their drinking habits to spiral out of control.
Head said more research was needed to determine exactly why female bosses abuse alcohol despite having so much power. But the Institute of Alcohol Studies speculated the reason might be that professional women often feel they must socialize with male colleagues to get on and are more likely to use booze to relieve stress.
Staff were asked about different aspects of their job, including demands made on them, support at work and home, their involvement in decision making and their pay and prospects.
A study of 8,000 civil servants in London found that drinking habits among women change according to professional status, with senior executives three times as likely to drink excessively as clerical workers.
The proportion of men abusing alcohol was relatively constant, at 10 to 12 per cent, from front-line staff right up to executives. But the figure rose to 14 per cent for females bosses, significantly higher than four per cent for women in the lower ranks.
The study was conducted by the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London. Jenny Head, who led the study, said “the findings clearly indicate that for women, the higher you go up the ladder, the more likely you are to drink heavily.”
Researchers speculated the higher level of alcohol abuse among women executives might have something to do with frustrations on the job. They said many do not have a strong support network of family and friends, something that allows their drinking habits to spiral out of control.
Head said more research was needed to determine exactly why female bosses abuse alcohol despite having so much power. But the Institute of Alcohol Studies speculated the reason might be that professional women often feel they must socialize with male colleagues to get on and are more likely to use booze to relieve stress.
Staff were asked about different aspects of their job, including demands made on them, support at work and home, their involvement in decision making and their pay and prospects.
