Protecting your colleagues and your organisation

It is estimated that between 6 and 10 people can be affected by someone else’s gambling harm. For loved ones and friends close to the gambler this can be particularly distressful, and we can often put the person sufferings need in front of our own. Harmful gambling can put pressure on a household both emotionally and financially, it can affect trust between loved ones and friends and relationships can become strained, it can even lead to abusive behaviour domestically or outside of the home. This can be difficult in the workplace too; nobody likes to see anyone else suffer and it can affect the atmosphere in which you work leading to awkward or confrontational situations. Your own responsibilities, safety and security might be compromised by the actions of someone who is suffering from gambling harm, it could be someone you work alongside, someone who reports to you who is underperforming, or you are concerned about their behaviour, it could be your line manager. Gambling harm is indiscriminate and can affect anyone, so it is important that you speak to someone if you have concerns yourself or about anyone else. Remember you cannot look after anyone else unles you look after yourself.

Our Sources of Help section provides information on where to find support for gambling harm, if you feel you are affected by someone elses gambling you can contact the National Gambling Helpline or there are specialist services available for affected others. These are:-

Gam-Anon Uk & Ireland – Support groups for anyone affected by another’s gambling.

Gam-Anon UK and Ireland – Gam-Anon GamAnon UK Ireland England Wales

GamFam – Support for Family and Friends affected by gambling harm

Home – GamFam

If you are concerned about a colleague’s behaviour it may be that they are suffering from the effects of gambling harm, these are examples of some of the behavioural signs of gambling harm.

Interacting with someone that you think may be affected by gambling harm may be difficult and if you do not feel comfortable speaking to someone about their behaviour or their gambling directly it is important to raise the issue with an appropriate member of staff such as your line manager or a HR representative. Remember that the worst thing you can do is nothing as gambling harm can escalate quickly and interactions can be highly effective in helping someone address their gambling and seek help if needed.

If you do feel comfortable interacting with someone then remember these top 10 tips for a successful interaction: –

1. Prepare – Think about what you are going to say and be able to evidence any statements that you make. Unplanned interactions can become emotional and counterproductive. You don’t need to produce a script just take a deep breath and make sure what you say is considered and balanced.
2. Check your demeanour and tone – Be confident, you are doing the right thing and trying to help someone but also be kind, make sure the person you are speaking to knows you are here to help. Use a calm tone of voice. 
3. Be factual – This is not a time to make allegations you cannot back up. Stick to what you know and do not speculate or exaggerate. 
4. Show empathy – Put yourself in the other persons shoes, this could be a very difficult time for them. If the interaction becomes heated resist the temptation to raise your voice. You are here to help and work together on a solution, not to make someone feel guilty.
5. Ask open questions – Try to avoid questions that require a simple yes or no answer. Instead of asking someone “Do you feel ok?” Ask “how are you feeling?” instead. Try to start a conversation.
6. Listen – This might be the first time someone speaks about something they are struggling with. Make sure they are heard, and you respond to what they are saying instead of talking over them.
7. Do not make assumptions – You won’t know everything that is going on with someone so don’t decide what the outcome is before speaking to them. How often have you asked someone “are you well?”  They will say they are because you have assumed they are, and they won’t want to disappoint you with any other answer.
8. Advise – Working together to find a solution is important, offer various outcomes and allow the person to make a choice with how they want to move forward. This will be more effective than dictating to someone what they should do. 
9. Support – Once the person has made a choice be supportive of it and make sure they have the relevant support network and tools to succeed. This could be as simple as a scheduled check-in or involve a third party such as a support organisation, family or GP.
10. Conclude – Bring the interaction to a close, even if it is unsuccessful. Make sure the person knows you are here to support if needed. Or reiterate a plan of action you have worked on. Leaving things open ended can leave to bad feeling, anxiety or stigma.

If concerns have been raised regarding an individual related to their gambling it is important that action is taken as gambling harm can escalate quickly leading to more severe issues for both the individual and the organisation.

Firstly, establish if the person has actually done anything wrong. Check your organisations gambling policy, if gambling is permitted with another provider outside of worktime and this has been observed then with regards to this policy the person has not done anything wrong and it is important not to display any predjudice towards gambling and/or gambling harm. “Would I lose my job if I had an issue with gambling?” is our most common FAQ and it is this misconception that leads people to be more secretive about their gambling and sadly results in situations where gambling harm has escalated to a point where gross misconduct has been committed.

Pro-active work here can help prevent this scenario, raising awareness through training and awareness campaigns such as Safer Gambling Week, combined with literature and information as to where to access support such as the material included on these pages is a good start. Does your organisation have an Employee Assistance Programme, and can you confidently recommend safer gambling tools and further support if needed? 

If it is established that an offence has been committed such as poor performance, timekeeping or personal conduct that is a result of a gambling issue or other personal issue involving mental health or a personal trauma, it is important that the individual still receives the support they need to recover. Organisations that can support are listed below see “Sources of help”. Even in cases where gross misconduct such as theft, fraud or abuse has taken place which has led to the termination of their employment signposting to third party providers as detailed below should be given in the hope that the further escalation of harm is prevented and the person involved can begin their recovery. People can and do recover from gambling harm.

Where to find help if……

• If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s gambling.
• You are being negatively impacted by someone else’s gambling.
• You want to talk to someone about something that is going on in your life.

At Work

If you are comfortable to do so you can speak to a colleague that you trust, your line manager or someone who works in HR. Alternatively for free confidential advice your company may provide an employee assistance programme (EAP). 

The National Gambling Helpline

Run by Gamcare the National Gambling Helpline offers free confidential support and advice available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Telephone: 0808 8020 133 or you can contact them through a live text chat by visiting www.gamcare.org.uk

The National Gambling Support Network

The National Gambling Support Network (or NGSN for short) exists to help anyone affected by gambling. They provide free, non-judgmental, confidential treatment, advice and support.

This means that as well as supporting people who are experiencing gambling harms themselves, they support people who are affected by someone else’s gambling. From mental wellbeing to financial struggles, they can provide guidance to help you get back on track.

GambleAware funds and assures the quality of the work of the National Gambling Support Network. You can access their services through their website, to help you find the right support for you.

The National Gambling Support Network – GambleAware

The NHS

The NHS run a number of gambling clinics and information on gambling addiction can be found at

www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/ 

You can also contact your GP.

The Citizens Advice Bureau

For free advice on gambling as well as debt and money issues visit. www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Mental heath

Organisations such as the Samaritans or Mind can offer free support and advice if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health. They can also provide support in a crisis.

Contact – The Samaritans

www.samaritans.org

Telephone: 116 123

Mind

www.mind.org.uk