A Qualitative Investigation of Organizational Issues in an Alcohol Awareness Program for Blue-Collar Workers

Abstract

Purpose.: To explore sociopolitical and organizational issues in worksite alcohol health promotion. Few such programs are reported in the literature. Design.: Qualitative data were gathered during the development and implementation phases of a program through focus groups, key informant interviews, and observations made by the research team. Settings and Subjects.: One hundred and ninety-nine blue-collar workers from a private company (a group which was also involved in a randomized controlled trial) and 123 workers from four other organizations (nontrial groups) received the intervention. The nontrial groups were used to pilot-test the intervention and in a post-trial assessment. All companies were located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Intervention.: Two worksite health promotion sessions on responsible drinking were given to small groups of workers. Measures.: The reactions of workers, unions, and employers to the program and to the evaluation trial were observed. The viewpoints of key informants were solicited through semi-structured interviews. Analysis was accomplished through several cycles of memo writing. Results.: Alcohol is a sensitive subject when discussed in worksite group settings. Our data suggest that there are alcohol problems in the workplace of which coworkers are clearly cognizant. In one setting the intervention led to the development of organizational rules regarding workers who reported to work inebriated, where this behavior had been previously tolerated. The sessions were better received when disease concepts were avoided. Evaluation research on alcohol requires particular care with confidentiality and ongoing communication with all stakeholders, especially unions. Conclusions.: Worksite health promotion regarding alcohol is feasible. The complex process of negotiating, implementing, and evaluating a worksite alcohol health promotion program is discussed. More research on the sociopolitical aspects of such programs is needed.