Supporting someone at work

Are you concerned someone in your workplace is gambling at risky levels — a workmate, employee or boss?

Gambling during work time indicates they are struggling to control their gambling.

Some of the signs might be obvious — form guides and sport sections on their desk and betting websites on their computer.

Other signs could be explained by other personal issues, but when you put the whole picture together, they could indicate a gambling problem.

Signs to look for

• they arrive late, finish early and disappear regularly
• they’re glued to their mobile phone or landline
• changes in their mood — irritable, distracted, snapping at people
• decline in their work performance
• borrowing money from workmates, asking for advances or extra shifts, or getting calls from debt collectors
• They might even be involved in criminal activity like stealing from the company or workmates or making fraudulent expense claims.

What you can do

You might decide to have a conversation with your workmate/employee/boss. Choosing the right time to talk to them and what to say is important. Go to How to start the conversation for more information.

Be clear about your concerns, how the person’s behaviour might affect you and don’t judge them. They may react by being grateful for your concern or angry at your interference. They may get help immediately, eventually, or not at all, but at least you have started the conversation.

Let them know about the services that can help — see below.

These services are also available to you. You might find it useful to talk to a counsellor about your concerns and how you can help your workmate/employee/boss.

Get support

There are many ways to get help: