Half of German Firms Have Addiction Policies, but Most Workers Don’t Know Them, Survey Finds

Nearly half of all German companies have written agreements covering substance use at work, yet a majority of employees are unaware those rules exist. That is one of the more striking findings from a new representative survey commissioned by the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV). Conducted by forsa among 2,016 employees and fielded in mid-June, the poll paints a mixed picture of how German workplaces handle alcohol, drugs and other addictive substances.

The mismatch is stark: 48 percent of businesses have a formal policy on addictive substances, but 49 percent of workers say they do not know about it. On a more hopeful note, 63 percent of employees do at least know whom to turn to if they need help.

Alcohol remains by far the most common problem substance in German workplaces. Twenty-one percent of those surveyed reported cases of problematic alcohol consumption in their own company over the past two years. Cannabis and nicotine each appeared at five percent, while illegal drugs and prescription-drug misuse were cited by four percent each.

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Industry differences are dramatic. The highest rate was recorded in transport and logistics, where 35 percent of employees said they had witnessed problematic substance use. Social services followed at 32 percent, public administration at 31 percent, and manufacturing at 30 percent.

Despite the prevalence, open discussion about addiction is still rare. Only 28 percent of respondents said that communication on the topic was open. Nearly half described the atmosphere as restrained, and eleven percent said addiction was outright taboo. Still, 57 percent said they would directly address a colleague they suspected of having a problem.

Tougher Rules for Jobseekers Take Effect Next Summer

In a parallel development, the Federal Employment Agency is tightening its rules for people receiving basic income support. Starting 1 July 2026, recipients face benefit cuts if they show up for a job interview drunk or in an unkempt condition.

The new directive rests on the Bürgergeld reform and Section 31 of Book Two of the Social Code (SGB II). If such behaviour prevents a potential hiring, it will be classified as a breach of duty — and benefits can be reduced accordingly.

Youth Cannabis Use Doubles Psychosis Risk, Study Finds

The need for early prevention is underscored by a large-scale study covering more than 460,000 adolescents who were followed into adulthood. The research found that cannabis use in young people doubles the risk of developing psychosis or bipolar disorder. Severe depression and anxiety disorders also occurred significantly more often among users.

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The burden does not stop with the individual. Relatives of people with an addiction face more than double the risk of developing depression themselves.

German Occupational Safety Award Opens for 2027

Companies looking for recognition in workplace health and safety can apply for the German Occupational Safety Award (Deutscher Arbeitsschutzpreis) 2027. The submission period runs until 15 July 2026. Projects may focus on mental health, workplace safety, or other innovative prevention approaches. The prize is awarded in four categories, each endowed with 10,000 euros.

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