| I went out for lunch with a co-worker the other day | | | | The fact that you were "shocked" that he had three |
| and was shocked that he had three drinks: the liquor | | | | drinks at lunch is significant because it appears to |
| cost more than his meal. He must have a drinking | | | | reveal that you previously had no indication that he has |
| problem - should I tell our Human Resources | | | | an apparent drinking problem. |
| department about this incident? | | | | In other words, based on past behavior, he is, at the |
| While I think you could be justified in thinking that he has | | | | very least, an effective employee notwithstanding any |
| "a drinking problem," as you put it, I would recommend | | | | addiction to alcohol he might have. |
| you approach this situation with some caution. | | | | So, I would recommend you do nothing other than be a |
| I presume you are reasonably well acquainted with this | | | | caring co-worker. Assume the best and don't make it |
| person as the lunch would seem to have been a social | | | | your business to be a covert observer of his work |
| occasion. | | | | performance and liquor consumption. |
| He may have felt comfortable with you - and perhaps | | | | Should the situation dramatically change, with obvious |
| considers you a friend - and so he "let his guard down" | | | | signs of alcohol abuse and a growing consensus in the |
| to some extent. For many people, such times are | | | | office that his work quality is declining, you could then |
| enhanced with an alcoholic beverage. | | | | approach him and suggest that he take the initiative |
| You don't mention whether you had a drink - but even | | | | and speak with someone in Human Resources. |
| if you had one - or two - then possibly you are being | | | | It would be preferable that you do not immediately |
| sensitive more about the quantity than the principle. | | | | communicate your concerns with Human Resources |
| (If your co-worker drove you both to and from the | | | | and instead allow him the opportunity to seek their |
| restaurant, there may be an additional element of | | | | counsel. His problem with alcohol - if he has one - will |
| concern: with three drinks he would likely have been | | | | need professional attention and the understanding of |
| legally impaired.) | | | | co-workers like you. |